Land earmarked for travellers site 'safe' despite gas fears
Land earmarked for a travellers site in Wolverhampton does not pose a health and safety risk despite concerns, council bosses have said.
It comes as fears were expressed by campaigners over possible landfill gases on the Gorsebrook Road site.
Campaigners are now taking legal action over the site. They say the move would have an impact on one of the most ‘deprived’ areas of the city.
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They have instructed a solicitor from law firm Shakespeare Martineau, based in Birmingham, to examine all aspects of the proposals.
Residents said any development on the former Gorsebrook Quarry could see more gases released.
A gas control system is currently place to monitor levels of carbon dioxide and methane.
It was installed due to landfill buried at the site deteriorating.
But now Wolverhampton Council has confirmed the land had already been checked several times to ensure it was safe.
Ross Cook, director of city environment at Wolverhampton Council, said: “The council can confirm that a number of risk assessments have already been completed at Gorsebrook Road, prior to the planning application being submitted. An active gas control system has been operational for over 25 years at Gorsebrook Road.
“The control system was installed in 1993 to prevent lateral migration of methane and carbon dioxide from affecting properties in the area.”