Protestors claim ‘enough is enough’ over plans
PROTESTORS turned out in force to demonstrate against plans to build hundreds of new homes in east Runcorn.
Government agency Homes England is working with Halton Council to deliver two new outline planning applications for land at Sandymoor South and Wharford Farm which could pave the way for up to 850 new properties.
The plans have drawn criticism from the area’s Labour MP Mike Amesbury, and Green councillor Andrew
Dyer.
On the evening of Thursday, October 14, scores of residents turned out on Red Brow Lane to voice their opposition with chants of ‘enough is enough.’
Protest organiser Stephen Holloran said:
“The scale of the turnout was much bigger than I ever expected.
“All the local residents I have spoken to including myself have been ignored for far too long and I am proud to be helping to lead this campaign called ‘enough is enough.’
“We are all concerned about the impact on wildlife such as bats and the lack of infrastructure to provide for this many properties.”
Stephen, who has interviewed local politicians about the plans on his YouTube channel, urged people to have their say on the current ongoing public consultation, which has now been extended to October 31.
Representatives of Homes England were due to appear at Sandymoor Ormiston Academy for two public drop-in events on Saturday, October 16, from 9.30am-noon, and Wednesday, October 20, from 5.30-8.30pm.
Stephen added: “I urge local residents to visit my YouTube channel, the Facebook group ‘opposition to proposed red brow lane development’ and follow all the links provided, have your say on this because once it’s gone, it’s gone, and it is time to say enough is enough.”
A Homes England spokeswoman said its role was to ensure more people had access to homes in well-designed places, adding that the scheme would include up to 120 affordable properties.
She said: “These sites have long been identified for housing, forming allocations within the adopted Halton Local Plan since 2005.
“Under our plans, the scheme will create local jobs and provide infrastructure such as new roads, a new canal bridge, and generous green spaces, supporting biodiversity.”
Stephen’s interviews can be found on his YouTube channel ‘Stephen J Holloran.’