ANGRY residents opposed to a controversial housing development on a ‘wildlife haven’ have taken their protest to the town hall.
Three objectors tackled Blackburn with Darwen Council’s growth boss Cllr Phil Riley at the borough’s executive board meeting on Thursday night.
They questioned the impact of the 165-home development as it approved the sale of 20 acres of open land in Whalley Old Road, Sunny Bower, Blackburn.
Cllr Riley hailed the disposal of the land to Vistry Partnerships Ltd as ‘a great result’.
Lisa Quinn told Cllr Riley: “I was disheartened to learn that the conversation about building on the land on Whalley Old Road has restarted.
“That patch of what people may perceive to be unused scrubland is actually a perfect habitat for wildlife.
“I’ve seen foxes, deer, a barn owl up there.
“One day we will lose this diverse habitat completely, never mind the virtue of accessing them in Sunny Bower on our doorstep.”
Cllr Riley replied: “A comprehensive ecological assessment was carried out.
“As a result, the permission is subject to conditions requiring the protection of certain habitats and a comprehensive landscape plan to protect ecology and biodiversity.
“Extensive areas of open space are to be retained and enhanced.”
Iain Sykes, chairman of the of the Sunny Bower Community Group, said: “I am significantly disheartened and angered regarding traffic calming measures for Whalley Old Road in the Sunny Bower area.
“We had been led to believe that proposed traffic calming measures were due to be delivered in the autumn.
“We were informed the measures had been delayed. I am now told that there will be no further interventions until the housing development is established.
“That stretch of Whalley Old Road is a speeding blackspot and has seen a number of accidents over the past few months.”
Cllr Riley said: “The council’s highways service has been clear that the proposed traffic calming scheme will be subject to change, and, therefore, there is no logic in implementing changes now.
“Once the layout of the new development is confirmed, the traffic scheme will be re-designed.”
Amin Kapadia asked: “Why is the council now sending letters to Sunny Bower residents stating they have encroached on council land, when they have not made changes to their gardens for at least 30 years?’.”
Cllr Riley said: “As a result of complaints from the general public, the property team are investigating a number of encroachments onto council land which have impacted upon a public right of way.”
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