Up Holland Labour councillor John Fillis accuses Conservative led council of stitching his ward over development plans for the borough

Dec 15 2011 by Michael Byrne, Ormskirk Advertiser

CONSERVATIVE council chiefs in West Lancs have been accused of stitching up people in Up Holland over plans for the borough’s future.

Cllr John Fillis, Labour Group leader and Up Holland councillor, made the accusations over the council’s Local Plan. This is a blueprint for the way the borough will develop in terms of housing and employment land.

Back in May, officers at West Lancashire made three proposals for public consultation under the title, Local Development Framework. Cllr Fillis said that at no time during the consultation has Green Belt land in Up Holland been mentioned. He added: “The consultation was widespread in the form of newspaper advertising, information packs and public forums.

“The council did not even organise a forum in Up Holland as they did in other affected areas.

‘‘The Tories have amalgamated the Local Development Framework into the new Local Plan and introduced a plan B, which includes Green Belt land on Cheques Lane and Mill Lane, Up Holland. The Tories have now reduced the consultation period; access is restricted to the documentation.

“The Tories have decided to gerrymander the process. They have betrayed the people of West Lancashire and especially those who live in Up Holland . They are now trying to rush things through the council with minimal consultation to prevent local people from organising opposition to the Tories’ proposals.”

Cllr Martin Forshaw, cabinet member for planning and Transportation, did not wish to comment.