This development will kill the character of our little town, say Wesham protesters
“The unbridled development is a blatant disregard of our collective responsibility to protect the environment”
Campaigners are protesting about plans to build up to 128 homes on the outskirts of Wesham – and say the town’s character is under threat.
Developer Northern Trust has lodged proposals with Fylde Council planners to build the new estate on land south of Mowbreck Lane.
But residents have set up a petition to challenge the application and by Thursday night the campaign had gathered 1,387 signatures.
The online petition was set up under the name of K Whiteside and states: “Once a place of picturesque fields and serene countryside, our town is now facing the threat of over-development.
“Concrete structures are taking over the lush landscapes, bringing not just traffic and noise, but also significant environmental repercussions. This relentless construction spree is not just stripping away our town’s natural beauty, but it is also pushing our local wildlife into near extinction.
“Now they want to build another 128 dwellings south of Mowbreck Lane.
“The unbridled development is a blatant disregard of our collective responsibility to protect the environment. With every tree felled and every plot cemented, we are inching closer to a future we will regret.
“The increased carbon emissions from these new buildings, the loss of green cover, and the compromising of our town’s natural rainwater drainage systems significantly contribute to climate.”
The campaign is being supported by Lancashire County Council member for Fylde East, Cllr Josh Roberts who said: “I share these concerns one hundred percent.
“There are other, more suitable brownfield sites to build this many homes on. Bit by bit our green spaces and rural environments are being destroyed, and the character of Wesham is under threat too.”
He said he was objecting to the proposals on the grounds of highways, schools and flooding. Local schools were already struggling to accommodate pupils, he said, and the potential addition of up to 300 more children would put immense pressure on resources, with no new school planned for the application.
The Reform UK member added: “We’ll have to see what Lancashire County Council highways have to say about it when they comment as consultants.”
The proposals are still in the early stages and more detailed issues such as layout, appearance and landscaping will be determined at a later stage, pending approval of the scheme.
The petition can be viewed at here