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Anger as Moss plans approved
TORY councillors endured cries of "shame on you" after a plan to build almost 600 homes on Blackpool's Marton Moss was approved.
A packed public gallery vented their fury as the Conservative-led Blackpool Council voted in favour of Kensington Developments' controversial proposal.
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden, who was at the meeting, called the decision "a disgrace" while Angelia Hinds, who spoke on behalf of the many objectors, said it left "many questions but no answers."
There had been a huge campaign against the proposal to build 564 homes off Moss House Road as it will wipe out a huge swathe of open land.
The scheme has also been shrouded in controversy ever since a 10,000 donation was made to Blackpool South Conservative Association by Kensington Developments.
An investigation by the Standards Board for England found Coun Ron Bell, prospective Parliamentary candidate for Blackpool South, contravened the code of conduct for councillors, but ruled out punishing him and said asking for donations "was not improper".
The cash was returned and Blackpool South councillors did not sit at last night's meeting.
It was left to six Tories from the north of town to sit alongside four Labour members on the Development Control Committee.
And while Labour members voted in agreement with the public, Tories came out in support of the developer.
Government office North West will now make a final decision, with Blackpool Council giving a recommendation the plans be approved.
Coun Simon Blackburn, Labour group leader, said the decision showed "the contempt with which the Tory group treat the people of Blackpool."
But during the meeting, Tory councillor Roy Haskett spoke out in favour of the developers plan.
"The area is little more than fallow ground getting worse as we speak," he said.
"I share some empathy with the people living in the area, but isn't it better to look at a managed housing development rather than looking at brambles?"
FOR MORE ON THIS STORY SEE FRIDAY'S GAZETTE.
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Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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Wind direction: East
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