Showdown as housing plan moves closer

Developers Wainhomes has applied for outline planning permission for 49 homes on land behind St John’s Church, and its neighbouring primary school, in Poulton.

As part of the scheme a mini roundabout would be installed at the junction of Breck Road and Moorland Road, which has been the scene of several accidents in recent years, and a crossroads would be created where the development’s new road would meet Moorland Road, opposite Moorland Gardens.

More than 50 official objections have been lodged against the scheme, principally concerned at the road safety danger from increased traffic and parking in the vicinity of St John’s School, but also with the scheme’s impact on existing sewers and drainage. There are also concerns at the effect on Poulton’s schools and health facilities.

Wyre council leader, Coun Peter Gibson said: “There are a number of concerns local people have about this scheme that will have to be addressed and I share those concerns.

“There are issues over sustainability in terms of local schools and doctors and the amount of traffic already on Moorland Road.

“I shall be speaking about these concerns at the meeting.”

Moorland Road has only recently been given a weight restriction after an increasing amount of heavy traffic caused concern both for the primary school and nearby Hodgson Academy.

There has also been a history of localised flooding caused by other developments overloading the drainage system. Damage to the roadway itself has forced temporary closures in recent years, after sewers collapsed.

The site for the proposed housing development is former agricultural land that until recently belonged to St John’s Church.

It has already been cleared of several hedges and trees, which were the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, and Wyre Council is deliberating over whether to take separate action on this matter.

In the meantime its planning officers have recommended outline approval but have stipulated conditions that would apply to any subsequent detailed scheme.

Local residents plan to lobby the planning meeting and also to speak out over their concerns.