Latest update on controversial new 103-home plans on green belt site between Poulton and Blackpool
“Not enough thought has gone into these proposals.”
Residents fighting plans to build 103 homes on the edge of Blackpool say the concerns about the scheme should not be ignored just because it offers 100 per cent affordable housing.
Five members of the Highcross Park Action Group spoke out at a meeting of Wyre planning committee today, calling for the application by developers Wain Homes to be refused.
They were supported by the Lancashire County Councillor for Poulton-le-Fylde, Cllr Alf Clempson, who referred to the housing proposals as “Pie in the Sky”.
After much debate, councillors on the committee deferred the application until a date in the future, allowing time for the applicants to provide more details to United Utilities about water waste issues, as well as the highways departments of Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council to supply more information about traffic concerns.
Developers Wain Homes want to build the 103 new homes on land off Normoss Road, Marina Avenue and Benedict Drive, which is classed as Poulton.
The scheme was recommended for approval by the case planning officer, who cited the fact that the scheme is one which offers “100 per cent affordable house”.
However, approximately 480 public representations of objection were received, citing multiple issues such as loss of Green Belt, the effects of urban sprawl, loss of a vital buffer between Blackpool and Poulton, loss of habitat (field, hedgerows, mature trees) for birds, hedgehogs, foxes, rabbits, hares, amphibians, deer and other wildlife, as well as traffic safety concerns.
Pressure on local infrastructure and lack of school and GP places have also been raised, as well as concerns about the concentration of social housing in one area.
An Affordable Housing Statement, prepared by Tetlow case King Planning on behalf of Wain Homes, stated: “The proposed development comprises 100 per cent on-site affordable housing provision.
“The proposed tenure split will be 70 percent affordable housing for rent (71 dwellings) and 30 percent affordable home ownership (31 dwellings.)
“The proposed affordable housing will be secured by way of a Section 106 planning obligation. Providing a significant boost in the delivery of housing, and in particular affordable housing, is a key priority for the Government.”
Speakers make their points
Members of the Highcross Park Action Group, residents John Wilkinson, Chris Coates, Richard Hurt, Michelle Walker, Charlotte Hurt and Samantha Scott, raised separate issues against the scheme, challenging claims that there were no alternative sites, raising concerns about loss of light affecting solar panels on existing homes and other issues.
Wyre councillor Roger Berry also spoke out against the proposals, saying Poulton was not built to accommodate all the previous housing schemes recently built, let alone a scheme for 103 more homes, while Cllr Clempson raised concerns about the serious highways implications regarding traffic flow, space for emergency vehicles and pressure on the nearest busy roundabout.
However, Gareth Salthouse, for the applicants, said the statistics showed there was a real need for affordable housing to prevent low income residents being forced to live in unacceptable homes or even facing homelessness.
He said no objections had been raised by statutory authorities.
Committee chairman, Cllr Richard Rendell, said: “I think deferment would be a sensible course of action because whilst I realise we do need affordable housing, and we should not lose sight of that, the traffic and transport situation on these roads does concern me.”
Councillors unanimously voted to defer the application.
After the meeting, campaigner John Wilkinson said: “Just because this scheme offers 100 per cent affordable housing, it does not mean that good planning should be sacrificed.
“Not enough thought has gone into these proposals. I’m disappointed the plans have not been refused but I’m happy that we have some breathing space.”