Gridlock fear over housing proposals for Burscough

Jan 12 2012 by Michael Byrne, Ormskirk Advertiser

RESIDENTS gave their views on proposals to build 850 homes in Burscough.

About 70 people attended the West Lancashire Council organised the Local Plan consultation forum at the Stanley Club on Tuesday night.

The includes proposals to build an extra 4,650 housing units over the next 15 years as well as create large areas of employment land.

The 850 homes suggested for Burscough includes 500 for Green Belt land off Higgins Lane.

Plan B includes provision to build homes off Red Cat Lane. This would be called into action if an area in the Local Plan could not be developed.

Many voiced fears the sewers would not be able to cope with so many new homes and it would create traffic gridlock on the A59.

People were split up into smaller groups to give their views.

Ian Gill, deputy borough planner, held a straw poll of his group. Six were against the plans for Burscough, four were in favour – including a man from Ormskirk – and two abstained.

He said that the development for Burscough could bring benefits for the area including better community and leisure facilities and infrastructure improvements such as better sewers.

Gill Bjork, whose petition against the proposals for Higgins Lane was signed by 1,341 people, said: “I have spoken to people all over Burscough and only one per cent of those people have said they are in favour of this plan.”

One woman said: “I am worried Higgins Lane could become a piecemeal development. This means no money would be available for Burscough to receive any benefits from it.”

One man said if the houses were built on Higgins Lane a road could be put through the new estate to help traffic problems. He said the council should be flexible in what the employment land could be used for rather than just being for industrial use. Mr Gill took note of people’s views. Some people said affordable housing in the plan would benefit Burscough.

One man said: “There are a massive amount of negative feelings about this plan and you are trying to put a positive spin on it.” Mr Gill encouraged people to write in with their views. He said there were some positive comments. A poll showed that nearly 50% of those at the meeting favoured the plan, but some questioned whether this was representative of Burscough. Calls were made for another forum in Burscough. Planning officer Peter Richards said the authority would consider it if there was a need for one. To reserve a place at the forum at Tarleton High School on Thursday, January 19 or Skelmersdale Ecumenical Centre on Wednesday, January 25 – both between 7pm and 9pm – call 01695 585171. There is an exhibition at Burscough Wharf on Saturday, January 21 between 10am and 4pm. Residents can give views by clicking onto www.westlancs.gov.uk/2027; Email: localplan@westlancs.gov.uk; or writing to Planning Policy Team, West Lancs Council, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF. Mrs Bjork urged people to write in again with their views.