‘House developers must work with community’
ASOUTHPORT councillor is calling for developers and communities to work more closely together after controversial plans for new homes in Birkdale were approved.
More than 120 residents had objected to plans to build 10 houses on land to the rear of Warren Court, citing fears over damage to the ecosystem and a loss of privacy.
However, Sefton Council approved the proposal at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, December 14.
A report to the committee argued that fears over a lack of parking spaces and of flood risk had been adequately dealt with.
Dukes Ward councillor David Barton had campaigned with residents against the new homes and expressed his dismay following the decision.
He said: “Whilst I am disappointed with the decision passed unanimously by the planning committee I would request that the developers work closely with the residents of the Westcliffe Road and Warren Court area for the benefit of the wider local community in the future.
“I would personally like to thank everyone, in particular the many residents who supported our campaign within the Birkdale area, for helping to demonstrate why collectively we feel as a neighbourhood that this green space would have been best left as it is.
“The principle of development is supported, the council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing supply and the development will be appropriate to the character of the area.
“The living conditions of future occupiers will be suitable and those of neighbouring properties will not be harmed. There are no concerns highway safety.
“Overall it is considered that the proposal represents sustainable devel- over opment and it will make a modest contribution to the current shortfall in five year housing land supply in the borough.”