Fears for shore due to airport proposal
“Liverpool Council have pledged to protect our parks and green spaces and also have duty to protect and preserve this important coastal habitat, so why threaten it in the vain hope the airport will become profitable?”
The protest comes ahead of plans for the airport to part-close Dungeon Lane, where Oglet is accessed via Speke, for the the installation of a 2.9m high paladin fence around about 60 acres of greenbelt land that leads onto the shore.
Residents have accused Peel, which owns the airport, of deliberately restricting access to Oglet so fewer people use it, making it easier to justify development.
However, a LJLA spokesperson stressed that the new fence is completely unrelated to the expansion, and is a legal requirement to comply with Civil Avia- tion Authority (CAA) safety regulations.
The spokesperson commented: “We’re extending the airport perimeter fence in order to comply with CAA regulations regarding improved safety and security, however this is not part of the airport’s masterplan for future expansion.
“As part of these works to satisfy CAA requirements for the existing airport operation we need to close Dungeon Lane, however, a new bridleway is to be created and the existing closure of Baileys Lane will be re-opened in order to maintain full public access for both pedestrians and vehicles to the areas south of the airport, including to the Oglet Shore, as currently available.
“The closure of Dungeon Lane will not take place unless and until the alternative access is provided. ●
“The masterplan sets out a long-term vision for the future of LJLA.
“It is not an application for planning permission and development remains subject to the normal requirements for planning permission as and when necessary.
“The masterplan was published earlier this year following a public consultation held in 2017. This consultation was open to everyone and included a media launch and two local consultation events, inviting local communities and all interested parties to participate.
“The masterplan includes an opportunity to establish an extension to the Speke Garston Coastal Reserve to the south of the airport, more than doubling the existing reserve and for use by local communities.”