OLD Territorial Barracks, to be replaced with 33 Permanent Residential Flats.

With regard to Blackpool Borough Local Plan (2001-2016) the site is within the defined 'Main Holiday Area'. The proposal for 33 permanent flats would conflict with policies, which seeks to safeguard holiday accommodation as the main land use within them, indicating that proposals, which significantly conflict with or undermine their 'character' will not be permitted. Separately, there is a policy that aims to resist development having an adverse effect on the amenities and living conditions of residents and people staying in holiday areas. It would also introduce a use, which would be incompatible with the area by reasons of its modern visual impact, loss of light, ownership of the flats, intensity of parking provision and its nature.

In June 1999 the Council approved Supplementary Planning Guidance about holiday accommodation/use and conversion of properties/land to permanent residential use. This augments the local plan re-affirming the policy to protect remaining concentrations of holiday accommodation/use from loss. This indicates that changes of use of holiday accommodation/use for permanent residential use will not be permitted in areas where holiday accommodation remains the dominant use, and sets detailed locational criteria for permissible schemes.

As the article quite rightly states that road closures could affect Yorkshire Street and the surrounding area when building work begins. Streets around the site could also be affected for 18 months or until the work is completed, this is unacceptable and beggars belief.

Even though the Territorial Army Barracks was not classed as holiday use it is in the heart of the oldest part of Blackpool surrounded by concentrated holiday use so, these new policies must still apply and qualify.

This area should be left as an open space for the local residents to appreciate with a green zone and a fountain, (Fountain Square). With lottery money, and Green Heritage grants etc., it could be a reality, remember Fitness for Purpose. Let the residents decide.

There is a desperate need for open space in Blackpool laid down by the Government's new criteria and as Blackpool's streets are notoriously crowded, we have a golden opportunity to start to put this right, minimum fuss, and maximum regeneration.

These new policies state that it is important that the character of area where holiday accommodation is the main use is not eroded by incremental change from holiday use. The Council's policy is not to permit other community residential uses in the resorts neighbourhoods where holiday accommodation is the dominant use.

This original part of the town should be glorified like it is in other cities. To build a modern type of block of permanent flats, certainly would not be in keeping with the rest of the surrounding properties. As far as we are concerned this area is crying out for regeneration funding to attract families and tourists. We are constantly fighting for the survival of our tourist areas, as they are constantly being unbalanced.

Kim Howels, MP for tourism when at the last Labour Conference in Blackpool told the tourism leaders at a meeting in the town hall that our holiday areas are precious and we should do out utmost to protect them. Finally, I would like to point out the Human Rights Act, the article states: "Everyone has the right to respect for their private and family life, their home and their correspondence". We have recommended refusal of this application "to protect the privacy of the occupants of properties in and around the Yorkshire Street area."

Michael J Chappell

Chairman Bloomfield Ward

Conservative Committee