Plans to erect a series of 18ft poles to create an area in Hale and Hale Barns where orthodox Jews can move freely on the sabbath – known as a eruv – are back on the table after first being proposed a decade ago.

An eruv is an area exempt from Jewish law which does not allow the carrying or pushing items outside private areas without violating Shabbat restrictions.

The planning application is for 26 galvanised steel posts on the streets around Hale and Hale Barns, each connected by nylon wire.

A planning statement from Prestwich-based Debtal Architecture says: “An eruv brings numerous benefits for the Jewish residents, particularly the elderly, disabled and families with young children.

“It would enable them to fully participate in Shabbat observance and lead meaningful lives.”

It says this would allow the free use of wheelchairs, mobility equipment and pushchairs without restriction; to carry essential items such as medication and prayer books freely on Shabbat; engage in Shabbat activities without the burden of carrying objects for extended periods and enable people to feel more connected to their faith, families and community.

The installation sites would be on the following roads: Hale Road, Burnside, Chapel Lane, Rossmill Lane, Barrow Lane, Rappax Road, Bankhall Lane, Ashley Road, Heather Road (bridge), Hazelwood Road, Broomfield Lane, Queen’s Road, Acacia Avenue, Sandileigh Avenue, Grove Lane, Delahays Road, Meadow Way, Grove Lane, Tintern Drive, Woburn Drive and Shay Lane.

 

A map of where the poles are proposed

A map of where the poles are proposed

 

According to planning documents, two poles would fall within the Hale Station Conservation Area, and eight would fall within the South Hale Conservation Area.

The planning statement says the materials used for the poles would be "non-obtrusive and blend with the existing streetscape".

“The poles, posts and arches will be inconspicuous and placed at strategic locations to ensure there are no obstructions to pedestrians or vehicular traffic in the same way as other street furniture is located,” it says.

“The eruv would not at all alter the character of the area and would not even be perceivable to anyone who wasn’t aware of its halachic significance.”

 

Hale village

Hale village

 

The plans were first put forward in 2014 when 117 poles in a five-square-mile area of the villages were proposed, leading to an outcry from local residents.

Although the plan was dropped, it was revived in 2016 with 95 poles along a 12-mile route put forward, resulting in another objection from the Hale Eruv Project Charitable Trust which which once again withdrew the idea.