Plans to build a housing estate in the middle of an industrial area in Netherton have been refused amid fears residents would “need gas masks.”
The plans, for 64 affordable homes at a site next to railway tracks off Heysham Road by a social housing provider were up for discussion at a meeting of Sefton Council’s planning committee, held at Bootle Town Hall last night.
In a planning officer’s report produced ahead of the meeting, it was noted that there were concerns over noise levels, land contamination and pedestrian access.
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Officers stated however that the plans, brought forward by social housing provider Your Housing would “bring a long-term vacant site into use” and recommended approval.
At last night’s planning committee, Cllr Paula Spencer spoke of her concerns around traffic, pedestrian access, the risk to families who would occupy the site and concerns over noise and air quality.
Cllr Spencer referred to a “cocktail” of issues, including busy roads, warehouses with wagons unloading throughout the day, train tracks and pollution, asking: “I’m just wondering what kind of life that’s going to be from an environment point of view and a sound point of view.”
She added: “I’m just wondering whether the houses come with gas masks and ear defenders.”
Cllr Spencer’s concerns were echoed by other members of the committee.
Fellow Labour councillor John Kelly said: “We’ve got vehicle emissions, a waste transfer station basically opposite, also a concrete mixing plant at the back of that, it would be very dusty at the best of times.
“It’s also like a wind tunnel that estate, what are we look at?”
Conservative Cllr Joe Riley said: “This scheme is a total social housing scheme for part ownership and rental, I would like everyone to ask themselves if it had any free market element to it would anyone want to live in that triangle given the reservations expressed tonight?”
He added: “We don’t want to be left with the taste that ‘oh, it will do for social housing’.”
Cllr Spencer said: “Totally agree, well said” before moving a motion to reject the plans.
Following a vote, members of the committee voted unanimously to reject the proposals, with Cllr Spencer adding afterwards: “Isn’t it good when we all work together?”
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