Another public meeting likely over scheme for 110 homes at Marton Moss in Blackpool

Baxter Group wants to build a mix of affordable apartments and houses on a seven-acre plot off Moss House Road in an area known as Marton Moss.

However, the scheme has attracted more than 170 objections from residents in the district, one of the greenest areas of Blackpool which was once a “market garden” area where people grew flowers and vegetables for a living.

However, the scheme has attracted more than 170 objections from residents in the district, one of the greenest areas of Blackpool which was once a “market garden” area where people grew flowers and vegetables for a living.

Many of those opposed to the scheme say it is to large for the site, will have a detrimental effect on the character of the area and will create highway issues with the narrow roads in the vicinity.

A public meeting, held at Stanley Conservative Club last week, was well attended.

Councillor Graham Baker, who represents Stanley ward and who helped organise that meeting, said: “There is a lot of concerns about the plans for a number of reasons.

“Many people feel this scheme is not right for the area and will change it detrimentally.

“We know that the application is going to go to a planning committee meeting, where it will be properly discussed, but we don’t have a date for that meeting yet. It will either be at the end of this month or in March.

“As soon as we know that date, we will organise another public meeting beforehand to discuss things.”

Among the objections lodged with the application was one from Cllr Baker’s fellow Stanley member, Cllr Jason Roberts.

Cllr Roberts highlighted several concerns, arguing that these outweighed the benefits of the housing scheme.

He stated: “The Core Strategy clearly prioritises inner-area regeneration as the primary focus for housing growth, with development in South Blackpool and Marton Moss only supported where it is demonstrably sustainable and respects the area’s distinctive character.

“The proposed development represents a further erosion of one of the last largely undeveloped areas in the Borough, contrary to the stated strategic intent to protect and positively manage remaining open land at Marton Moss.”

He also said the scheme would cause harm to Character of Marton Moss, raised concerns about the scheme’s housing density and quality, as well as infrastructure and flood risk issues.

The latest proposals from the Baxter Group offer a mixture of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments and traditional houses.

Planning documents say the ‘majority’ of the properties would be available for rent with the rest shared ownership, managed by Progress Housing.

A Planning and Affordable Housing Statement, on behalf of the application, said the scheme would bring several benefits to the area.

It stated: “The proposed development of 110 affordable homes on land at Moss House Road, Blackpool, represents a sustainable and policy-compliant scheme that will make a valuable contribution to meeting the borough’s housing needs.

“The development accords with the strategic objectives of the Blackpool Local Plan (Parts 1 and 2) and with the overarching principles of the National Planning Policy Framework.

“The proposal will deliver 100% affordable housing in a sustainable and accessible location, supporting the Council’s aims to widen housing choice, enhance social inclusion, and regenerate the South Blackpool Housing Growth Area.”