Taylor Wimpey are set to build 350 new homes on a site in Widnes that straddles the boundaries of two council areas, including Knowsley
A group of residents at Huyton’s Municipal Buildings campaigning against the current plans for Chapel Lane, south of Cronton(Image: LDRS)
A major new housing development on the outskirts of Merseyside has been held up after residents raised safety concerns about an access road. The project will create 350 homes in Widnes, but the access point is located in Knowsley, and on a stretch of road residents say is dangerous to cross.
On its website the developer, Taylor Wimpey states: “We are aiming to deliver up to 350 high quality and energy efficient homes in a range of styles and sizes, including affordable homes, to respond to the local housing needs in Widnes.
“The site will be a natural extension to the north of Widnes, on land east of Chapel Lane. The site is in a sustainable location with good transport links, including safe, convenient access to nearby bus stops, railway station and other local facilities.”
The project already has already been examined by Halton Council’s planning committee, but the access onto Chapel Lane is within the borough of Knowsley and hence, that part of the proposal had to be presented at Knowsley’s planning committee.
This application was presented at tonight’s (October 9) planning committee and a group of residents turned up at Huyton’s Municipal Buildings to lodge their objections. The group was represented in the meeting by campaigner Sue Fealey who addressed their concerns to the chamber.
Discussing the proposed access point of the scheme, Ms Fealey said: “I wish to bring to your attention the high safety risk associated with the location. The car park for the chapel is on the opposite side of the road and has no pedestrian pavement.
“When leaving the car park, you can’t see cars coming from the right, and they can’t see you due to the bend in the road and these pictures don’t really show the extent of the blind bends on Chapel Lane.”
Campaigner Sue Fealey addresses Knowsley Council’s planning committee(Image: Knowsley Council)
Ms Fealey went on to discuss the development’s potential impact on older people, Ms Fealey added: “In practice, when changing a road or approving a development that affects a lane or a village, the authority must consider how their decision might affect older people’s mobility, safety, independence, increase of isolation due to increased traffic, feeling unsafe on walking routes or pavements, or affect physical and mental well being through increased noise and pollution.”
She added: “If a change of road makes it harder for older people to get around safely, or reduces their quality of life, the council may be failing its equality duty. I’ve talked to a number of older people on Chapel Lane, and the above things I’ve just said now are real concerns for them, and they’re really scared.”
Also making an address to the chamber was Brian O’Connor from Lichfields, who are acting as the planning agent for Taylor Wimpey. Mr O’Connor said: “Taylor Wimpey has worked collaboratively with the council throughout the determination of the application. This has ensured that all consultee comments were positively and appropriately addressed.
“This includes making changes to include provision for an emergency access on Chapel Lane, alongside moving the proposed primary access further south along the lane itself.
“As outlined in Knowsley’s highways authorities response, the access proposals are considered acceptable. A comprehensive traffic calming scheme has been prepared, which illustrates how mitigation measures will ensure increased compliance with the posted 30 mile an hour speed limit along Chapel Lane.
“This development also includes an extensive package of off-site highway improvements to support active travel and ensure the safety of all users of Chapel lane.
“These include a comprehensive traffic calming scheme on the lane itself, upgrades to the public rights of way crossing points to ensure safe and convenient pedestrian passage over Chapel Lane and the lighting scheme and improvements to Sandy lane to improve its continued use as a desirable active travel corridor.”
However, despite these assurances, Cllr Kai Taylor proposed elected members defer the application until such a time that the planning committee officers can arrange a site visit. This was put to a vote and passed with a majority in favour.