Hesketh Bank Parish Council’s concerns over Bec house plans

Apr 21 2011 by Janine Yaqoob, Ormskirk Advertiser

HESKETH Bank Parish Council have expressed their concerns over a proposed housing development on the site of a former pub.

Councillors met on Monday evening to discuss plans to demolish the Becconsall pub and build 35 new homes in its place.

Whilst not objecting to the development of the site in general for residential use, the Parish Council voiced a number of observations and concerns.

Key issues raised included the lack of allocated green space and the detrimental effect to the residents on the north side of Cherry Vale through reducing the open aspect looking out onto Station Road.

The Parish Council also highlighted the constantly expressed concern regarding the lack of water pressure in Hesketh bank and the effect new houses would have on this issue.

Councillors also felt that the overall density of the proposed development is excessive and has asked the District Council to look further at the plans before granting planning permission.

Una McBride, spokesperson for the ‘Save the Bec’ campaign group said: “The Parish Council agreed with many of points I have raised in the past.

“They believe there are too many properties on the site, which in turn will effect water pressure in Hesketh Bank.

“Our campaign hasn’t been as straight forward as we first thought. We originally wanted a pub to be reintroduced at the site but to do this the landowner would have to apply for a license once again. This would not have made good business sense which is why they the developers opted for houses.

“I hope Monday’s meeting will go someway to reducing the number of houses proposed.”

Last month Manchester-based firm Hollins Strategic Land LLP submitted plans for the new housing development to West Lancashire District Council. They hope to build a variety of one to four bedroom dwellings on the site.