The Conservative Party candidate for Meols Ward, Thomas de Freitas, has ‘put Sefton Council on notice’ that if elected, he will push for local residents to be given a much greater say on planning issues affecting their areas.
Residents across Meols Ward – which covers Crossens, Churchtown, and Marshside – have seen a sharp increase in the number of planning applications and development proposals in recent years.
These include the proposed Lidl store in Crossens, the development off Bankfield Lane, the development on the former Phillips Factory site, and the development off Barton’s Close.
De Freitas has argued that the work on the site of the former Phillips Factory has led to the shaking of homes surrounding the demolition site, a high number of HGVs passing, high noise levels from drilling, and dust lining nearby roads and driveways – none of which he believes were adequately debated during the planning application process.
He also believes that the Bankfield Lane development should never have been approved.
“Any of a number of issues – including the lack of floodplains for surface water, insufficient drainage, building on the greenbelt, and the Japanese Knotweed – would be reason alone to pause (if not cease) the progression of the development.
“Very valid concerns have been raised by a number of residents in the area, but little action has been taken by Sefton Council or Wainhomes. The next application for a further 156 dwellings is expected to be determined next month. We need to act now.
De Freitas raises the proposed new Lidl store in Crossens as a prime example of where we can begin to learn from previous errors.
“Here we have a reasonable proposal – a new supermarket, serving the community and providing local jobs. It won’t be built on the greenbelt, and will lead to an unused site being turned into a productive economic area.
“This being said, we need to listen to the concerns of residents. There will be an inevitable impact on traffic levels, alongside other highways, noise, and environmental concerns. Those living in the immediate vicinity will also be affected by the development process.
“The scrutiny of this project will come after the election. We need a councillor in Meols who is willing to stand up for the area and its residents, and ensure that not only do people get an opportunity to express their concerns, but that a detailed response is given, and action is taken where appropriate.
“This is what I will push for if elected.”
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