CONTROVERSIAL plans to develop an airport car park are set to face opposition for a second time.
Mar Properties wants to transform Blackpool Airport’s overspill car park into a new housing development – and its plans were given the green-light following a planning appeal three years ago.
But the firm has run out of time to build its 72-home development – of 46 apartments and 26 houses – off Westgate Road, in St Annes, and now looks set to face a raft of opposition as it bids to Fylde Council to be granted more time to build.
Local councillor Howard Henshaw is leading the calls for the firm to be denied permission, and St Annes Town Council has already filed an official objection.
Coun Henshaw believes Mar Properties should have never won permission after the council’s planning committee turned them down and said: “I personally think the present appeal system is very biased in favour of major developers, irrespective of the opposition of nearby residents and their elected representatives. The residents are still very much against it and in view of the current sewer problems in the area, perhaps Mar Properties should reconsider this project.”
Residents have complained about sinking roads and driveways on the street, but United Utilities has said it is working on a solution.
St Annes Town Council has objected to the plans on the basis of the sewer problems and the three-year time limit being a condition of the appeal.
Mar Properties, who say the development would create a “high quality urban village”, were unavailable for comment.
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