MP signs petition objecting to Churchtown development

Southport MP Damien Moore has signed an online petition objecting to the development by Wainhomes off Bankfield Lane in Churchtown.

Wainhomes North West has applied for full planning permission to build 121 homes during the first stage of development, in addition to outline permission to build a further 200 homes during the second phase.

This outline planning permission will give approval for a development in principle, but requires a further application with more detail on areas such as design, vehicle access and drainage, before full permission is granted.

If approved, the development will see the construction of a mixture of one to five bedroom properties in a variety of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses along with a single block of flats, whilst each of the homes developed in the first phase would have a private garden, parking, and an area of communal garden space provided to the front of the proposed flats.

Commenting on the development, Damien said:

“It is my understanding that the prospect of future flooding remains prevalent and that it is the responsibility of Sefton Council to invest to address this issue. As the latter has not been forthcoming, I am convinced that this remains a compelling and serious argument to deny planning permission.”

“This application follows only weeks after permission was granted for another application for up to 147 houses on the nearby site of the former Philips factory at Balmoral Drive. A site that was previously classified as Green Belt, but was earmarked for housing in the Labour-led Sefton local plan.”

“In addition, the three storey style apartments proposed are not in-keeping with the appearance of the local area nor the Churchtown Conservation area, as there are no existing three storey buildings in the vicinity. I also understand that local education providers, i.e., local schools, are at maximum capacity and cannot accommodate any additional pupils.”

In addition to signing the online petition, the town’s MP has also written to residents in Churchtown outlining his decision and offered his support in the months ahead.

Residents have until January 26 to register their opinions with Sefton Council.