Councillor adds voice of concern over plans for 79 homes in Over Wyre village

A leading councillor has added her voice of opposition to controversial plans to build 79 new homes on the edge of a semi-rural Over Wyre village.

Cllr Lynn Bowen, a member of Wyre Council’s Cabinet, says that as a ward councillor she is “deeply concerned” over proposals for the affordable homes in Stalmine.

The councillor, who represents Stalmine and Hambleton and is also the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council, says the proposed development will add significant extra traffic to one of one the North West’s most dangerous roads.

The planning application has been lodged with Wyre Council by applicants Maybern Planning and Development, on behalf of Westchurch Homes.

They want to develop a parcel of greenfield land off Stricklands Lane, on the immediate southern edge of the village.

The applicants say the scheme is beneficial because it is offering an element of vital affordable housing for the area, as well as creating new jobs and businesses.

But a number of residents are already raising concerns about he plans on the grounds of road safety, flooding concerns and fears that it will spoil the existing character of the local village environment.

Cllr Bowen said: “As a local ward councillor I wanted to raise concerns over this.

“Stricklands Lane is a busy, dangerous road which has some very sharp bends and although there are speed cameras, people still drive quickly.

“There have been a number of serious accidents in the past and I believe if this planning application is granted permission , it will only make things worse.

“If there are two people per house, most of them would have a car each. Potentially, that would mean an extra 150-odd cars on the road.

“Children need to cross that road to get to and from school and it;s a real worry, especially because the footpaths are not adequate.

“As well as that, there are genuine flooding concerns as well.”

Resident and campaigner Andrew Mercer is also among the objectors and said “We have Great Crested Newts, kestrels and owls here – whatever happened to protecting greenfield sites?

“The land also has a serious flood risk, especially during the winter months.

“It is just not a good place to build 79 houses and we are determined to fight it.”

Stalmine-with-Staynall Parish Council are also objecting and say planning applications are being allowed without the proper provisions such as schools, GP surgeries or highway considerations.

However, a planning statement on behalf of the application says: “This provision for affordable housing meets local and Borough wide needs in Wyre.

“Westchurch, as an experienced developer of this type of housing, are committed to delivery of the site and intend to deliver the site quickly to address this need.

“The proposed development will lead to support to local facilities and services via population and consumer expenditure

“It will bring local jobs support for construction and related local suppliers and consumer expenditure to support local businesses.”