Fears over traffic, wildlife and loss of open space as plan for 302 homes in St Annes submitted

A county councillor and former mayor of Fylde has expressed his sadness over the ongoing loss of open space as local councils fulfil the need to comply with Government planning demands.

The reaction from John Singleton comes in the wake of new plans submitted to Fylde Council for a major development including more than 300 homes off the Lytham St Annes Way M55 link road.

The outline planning application, submitted by S&L Planning Consultants for developer River Properties Ltd, also includes a retirement complex, a leisure hub, padel courts and retail development including two drive thrus.

Just last month, Fylde MP Andrew Snowden launched a major new campaign to ensure green spaces across the area are preserved amid new government planning rules which could see 10, 000 new homes being built.

According to the Conservative MP, Fylde and Wyre councils would need to build 10,000 new houses over the next decade alone, prompting fears that such targets would lead to local countryside and green spaces being earmarked for development.

County Cllr Singleton, who represents the area of the proposed new development, says it is sad to see green space taken up by development, but adds that he feels it was inevitable that development would follow the opening of Lytham St Annes Way two years ago.

“It was opened with a roundabout in place for access to a future development and there are little ‘dead-end’ possibly future access roads all along there, presumably with future development in mind,” he said.

“It’s such a shame we are losing our green space but local councils are being pressed by the Government to meet housing targets.”

County Cllr Singleton said he also has fears over increased traffic, a point also made by a Fylde councillor for the area, Michael Withers.

“Traffic is already very busy and this would make it so much worse,” said Cllr Withers, who also has concerns over the effect any new retail on the site would have on established businesses in Ansdell and possibly also St Annes.

“I’m also worried that it is very wet land which is part of the flood plane and do not feel it is right for the area.”

Gazette readers have also expressed concerns via our Facebook site.

Jan Stinger has raised fears over wildlife in the area being affected, pointing out that it is used a lot by wintering birds along with barn owls, short-eared owls and buzzards.

“Please save the last area of our Moss from being built on,” she said.

Meanwhile, Crete Carroll also feels it is not a suitable site for such a developmnet,saying: “There was an extensive network of ditches at one time on the Moss. It’s our only flood water place left - and a habitat for wildlife.

“No good building on there, too much movement, groundwater rising. It’s all been said but ignored by the powers that be. So many places deserted and empty in need renovation.”

Annette Osborne wrote: “What about schools - and would those new residents want a big shop and a drive through a on their doorstep? Especially with the price of property these days, would new residents want all these amenities so close?”

Zoe Ryan says: “Are we going to keep any trees and greenery?”

The company behind the plan say that 30 per cent of the new homes will be affordable housing of mixed tenure, together with 52 retirement living apartments and a residential care home.

Additional proposals include neighbourhood retail facilities, other commercial accommodation and a leisure hub featuring a medium-sized food store, commercial space, two drive-thru restaurants and padel courts, creating new amenities for existing and future residents.

The development would also provide more than 2.6 hectares of public open space, children's play facilities, landscaped green corridors, biodiversity enhancement areas, and a comprehensive sustainable drainage system and other initiatives designed to improve the site's environmental quality.

Graham Love of S&L Planning Consultants, which is the agent for the planning application, said: "This proposal represents an opportunity to deliver a high-quality and sustainable extension to the existing community, providing much-needed homes, affordable housing and specialist accommodation alongside new amenities and leisure facilities.

"The scheme has been carefully designed to create a strong sense of place while responding positively to its surroundings. Extensive landscaping, public open space, and biodiversity enhancements will ensure that the development delivers environmental, social and economic benefits.

"The proposals will help meet a range of local needs and support the continued growth of this part of St Annes, creating a vibrant and well-connected sustainable community for residents of all ages.

“If approved, the development will be delivered in phases and include new access arrangements from Lytham St Annes Way together with associated infrastructure, landscaping, pedestrian routes and cycle connections.”