Community Benefits
Not only should the development of the East Quarry site result in a high quality and contemporary scheme which will be worthy of its setting, it will also bring with it solutions to various problems which have beset Appley Bridge for a number of years.
Natural surveillance will be increased on the site by the introduction of the new residential dwellings, the hotel and the restaurant and this will also deter any unwanted visitors. This will help to deter the intruders who currently invade the East Quarry each summer and cause problems in and around the site.
In addition to solving anti-social activity on East Quarry the proposals also include other community benefits outside of the site. The proposed car park on West Quarry will take the current commuter parking on Appley Lane North off the main road and lessen congestion and road safety hazards. Anyone who has driven along Appley Lane North knows how bad the parking situation is and how dangerous it can be given the range of vehicles that pass each other. The landowner would encourage the local Highways Authority to compliment this scheme with their own traffic management scheme (i.e. parking restrictions on Appley Lane North).
As part of the scheme the local community will also be provided with a new community centre to replace the current one (locally known as the ‘Scout Hut’). This is a facility which is desirable as the current building is in need of investment but a replacement or improvement scheme has not been possible due to a lack of funds.
The War Memorial which is in the grounds of the Community Centre will be retained and enhanced as part of the scheme.
