Evidence
Where we heard it ...
Our best endeavours are used to substantiate the information used in this site, much of it is from the evidence base used for the Local Plan.
A paper detailing the evidence that we have collected so far can be seen here (sent to WLBC as part of their consultation ending February 17th 2012). Highlights are below in response to questions from residents.
If you have a comment or further information for us please let us know.
Flood Risk
Evidence of the increased risk of non-fluvial flooding and the relatively higher risk of flood from fluvial
and tidal sources in this location than compared to Skelmersdale and Ormskirk is taken from the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) 2010, United Utilities DG5 Register and the
Sustainable Settlement Study.
Traffic
According to Page 36 West Lancashire Rural Economy Study in 2006:
“Burscough is the village / town most in need of public realm improvements, not just because it is
aesthetically lacking distinction and the quality of materials used is very poor, but more
importantly because traffic dominates the town centre creating an extremely poor impression,
which street improvements alone will not solve.”
Fortunately, the town has benefitted from good redevelopment at Burscough Wharf and this
has vastly improved its appearance. However, as no capacity improvements can be made to the
A59 due to the bridge over the Leeds Liverpool canal and the Southport train line then the core
traffic problem discussed in the 2006 report will become much worse.
The Technical Paper 5,
Transport, January 2012 study is presented as evidence supporting the decision in the Local Plan, yet it
does not assess the impact of the planned 500 to 1000 houses at Yew Tree Farm, plus 350
elsewhere in Burscough, 250 at Grove Farm and additional houses through the potential plan B.
Given that this is what the Local Plan proposes, comprehensive, impartial studies should have
already been made. Decisions have been made in the absence of data. The traffic study needs to
be revised and the options revisited in light of its findings before a decision on the plan is made.
Housing Numbers
- Please read West Lancs Borough Council's Local Plan
- Our comments on numbers of houses is speculation based on the size of the site (74 hectares) and average number of houses per hectare (46). The average density of house building in 2011 is taken from Inside Housing, and supported by Planning Guidance PPG3 which encourages developments of between 30 and 50 per hectare and avoids developments of less than 30.
Wildlife Habitat
Despite the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) study, no consideration was given to the
loss of Yew Tree Farm site as a wildlife habitat. There are a number of protected species that
benefit from the green belt at Yew Tree Farm including: brown hare, partridge, swallows, sky
larks, pink-footed geese, whooper swan, bats and barn owls.
In the HRA of the potential effects of the Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy
(of which Burscough green belt is part), on the Natural 2000 network and Ramsar Sites in the
area, including Martin Mere are highlighted, including concerns at the cumulative
loss of agricultural fields resulting in the loss of supporting habitat for qualifying bird species
such as pink-footed geese and whooper swan as well as concerns about the effects of
wind turbines and CHP.