Councillors warned of ‘corporate manslaughter’ as 200 homes approved
Campaigners in Derbyshire have cautioned councillors about potential “corporate manslaughter” consequences if a resident faces harm linked to a 200-home development approved on contaminated land.
During a meeting at Amber Valley Borough Council on Monday, November 6, the final details of an Avant Homes project off Birchwood Lane in Somercotes received approval.
During this week’s meeting, deputy leader councillor Emma Monkman publicly expressed her concern, saying: “I don’t feel anybody should be threatened while going about their business. We have all been threatened with corporate manslaughter, and we are under investigation.”
In response to the ‘corporate manslaughter’ claim, Planning Board chair councillor Mick Wilson said: “I’ve not been arrested yet” and later clarified, “Neither am I under investigation.”
Former Planning Board chair councillor Jane Orton also asserted that she is not under investigation regarding the Birchwood Lane site.
During the meeting, Andrew Gore, representing Avant Homes, mentioned an “alleged” report from the UKHSA regarding contamination concerns in Somercotes.
However, he stated that no evidence of the report had been provided to officers or the applicant and was not before the council for consideration.
Tomlinson had previously claimed in September that this report was examining evidence of 26 potential cases of ill health related to contaminated land in Somercotes.
At this week’s meeting, councillor Fay Atkinson said: “The conditions aren’t strong enough, we need a full and permanent remediation before anything starts. We have a duty of care to residents. Approving this on contaminated land is not acceptable in my eyes.”
