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Go-ahead for £20m tram depot
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a £20m tram depot and heritage centre at Starr Gate have been given the seal of approval by Blackpool Council.
Last night's development control committee voted in favour of the projects despite fierce opposition from local residents who say the depot is too large and will de-value their homes.
The plans, which are part of the 100m upgrade of the tramway, will be built on the site of a go-kart track and include a public car park for 200 vehicles, a mini crazy golf course and some public toilets.
It will act as a maintenance and storage building and house up to 20 of the resort's new supertrams.
A request for the decision to be deferred while residents' concerns – which include parking issues – were examined further was rejected after John Donnellon, assistant director for built environment, said a delay could jeopardise Government funding.
He said: "We have a funding deadline of Easter 2012. We have to have a tram depot running by May 2011. We have a funding risk if we can't deliver in that time scale.
"I want to emphasise how important the tramway is to Blackpool. We need a depot of sufficient size which meets modern needs."
Five councillors voted in favour and four against.
The outline planning application for a heritage centre was also approved despite objectors again raising the issue of parking.
Coun Doug Green, Starr Gate ward councillor, said: "The problem with the heritage tram system is that it is going to be a visitor attraction with no parking provision whatsoever."
Pat Masser, chairman of Starr Gate Residents' Association, said residents were "appalled" by the decisions.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 04 February 2012
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