In May 2004 woodlands surrounding the former asbestos factory site in Spodden Valley were destroyed. Countryside Properties suggest that they had no involvement.

Later in 2004 they applied to build over 600 homes and a children's nursery on the former asbestos factory site. The destroyed woodland in the photo was designated as "Plot 5" residential housing. The controversial planning application remains firmly on hold and Countryside Properties announced early in 2005 that "Plot 5" was to be removed from their application. However, the questions surrounding the destruction of the woodlands won't go away. The plot thickens...

Countryside Properties have received praise from the WWF (World Wildlife Fund -not the World Wrestling Federation, but the way CP appear to wriggle out compromising positions plus 'duck and dive' from answering public questions would have Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy weeping).

Countryside Properties describe themselves as a ‘key partner’ with WWF-UK in their “one million sustainable homes taskforce”.

Countryside Properties publish a glossy brochure called their "Environmental, Ethics and Social Report" The 2005 report published after the destruction of Spodden valley's woodlands proudly states:

"Countryside Properties has never been prosecuted for environmental malpractice".

In January 2005, Countryside Properties directors suggested to Save Spodden Valley campaigners that they only got involved with the site AFTER the woodlands were destroyed. A Land Registry search suggests this is not true. (This gets a bit tricky as CP subsidiaries seem to have a habit of changing their names on the Companies House Register) The predecessor-in-title to Countryside Properties (Northern) Ltd registered an Option for the 72 acre site in April 2004, several weeks BEFORE the woodlands were destroyed.

"Countryside Properties has never been prosecuted for environmental malpractice".

…is that phrase starting a ring a little hollow yet?

A Forestry Commission officer confirmed that the woodlands destroyed were in breach of criminal law- the 1967 Forestry Act.

The Forestry Commission’s criminal prosecution file was obtained under Freedom of Information. It contains a letter from “Woodrep Tree Surgeons” confirming that:

“It was my client’s intention to remove all trees from these areas unless an outstanding amenity case was made”

Later in the letter, Woodrep Tree Surgeons states:
“…the fellings of 17th May were probably a breach of the [1967 Forestry] Act.”.

Companies House confirms that Woodrep Tree Surgeons Limited (CRN 04929172), that traded from the same address, is now dissolved.

Save Spodden Valley campaigners vow to carry on their investigation over the destruction of the woodlands surrounding the asbestos factory.

Meanwhile, Countryside Properties market “Mayfield” in Castleton.
They describe “Healey Dell Nature Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary, rich in industrial archaeology” and within “easy reach” of Mayfield.

The advertising gloss omits to mention that Healey Dell is within the Spodden Valley. The Nature Reserve borders the land that Countryside Properties registered an Option on weeks before woodlands were destroyed during nesting season.

That is why for many in Rochdale, seeing the phrases “Countryside Properties” and “Mayfield” have a twisted irony.