Campaign launched over proposals to build on Green Belt Land Up Holland

Feb 2 2012 by Michael Byrne, Skelmersdale Advertiser

CHEQUER Lane residents have launched a petition against proposals to develop Green Belt land near their homes.

West Lancashire Council has included proposal to build 120 homes on the Up Holland road in its draft Local Plan.

A planning application for 80 homes has already been received by the council for the Chequer Lane site.

A further 120 homes have been allocated to Mill Lane as part of the council’s Plan B. This means the land could be used if sites in themain plan don’t work out.

Allison McIntosh, one of the objectors, said: “This plan robs Skelmersdale of its chance for housing regeneration.

“Whilst the option of green field development in Up Holland remains alive, no developer will be interested in housing development in Skelmersdale.

“This plan paralyses the residents of Chequer and Mill Lane. No-one will be able to sell whilst under this cloud of planning policy. Neither will anyone want to improve their properties.

Allison urged people to sign the petition circulating at the post office and shops, and to write into the council objecting to these proposals.

She said they should also write to MP Rosie Cooper and local councillors.

Residents gave their views at a meeting at the Ecumenical Centre. Proposals for Skelmersdale include 2,400 new homes and the town centre would be redeveloped. When it was pointed out that developing land at Mill Lane could lead to a play area being built on Steve Benge, council planning officer, said the developer would have to replace any element of the play area that was lost on the site, but any development would not need to touch the vast majority of the park.

Some people suggested building on brownfield sites instead of the Green Belt. Mr Benge said that the available brownfield sites will be needed for employment use as well. Some welcomed the town centre redevelopment. Others said places such as Parbold could take more housing.