A petition opposing the construction of 350 new ‘luxury family homes’ has opened amidst fears of excessive road congestion and strains on local GPs.
The petition comes after Peel L&P’s proposal last Thursday (5 January) to construct the homes ‘east of Boothstown’, on greenbelt land next to RHS Bridgewater.
Peel L&P proposed to construct 350 one-to-four bedroom homes across the 74-acre site. The land currently sits under the ‘places for everyone’ scheme, a project set to provide housing, jobs and and sustainable growth within the Greater Manchester community.
Peel L&P have also proposed a further 1,100 homes on Mosley Common Road, just over the East Lancs Road.
MP for Worsley and Eccles South, Barbara Keeley, voiced concerns of some Boothstown residents over the plans, in a Facebook post, last night (Monday 8 January).
The post explained that up to 700 additional cars could be expected, adding to the already ‘dire’ congestion along Leigh Road at peak times. It also raised concerns over air quality management, environmental and ecological damage, strained school places and extended GP and dental waiting times.
A statement from Barbara Keeley said: “The proposal to build these 350 new large homes will be to the detriment of local services which are already strained, will add to existing high levels of traffic congestion and pollution and impact our wildlife, ecosystems and waterways.”
There are hopes to extend the petition by delivering letters to local residents, opposing the proposal.
The statement continued: “Local people have already stated very strong opposition to this development. I hope as many people as possible will sign my petition so that I can present a strong and clear objection to this proposed development.”
In response to the petition, Annabel Baker, Peel L&P’s Associate Director for Development Planning said: “We have been discussing the capacity of local services including schools and GPs with the local authority and will be making financial contributions to offset any impact of the development at east of Boothstown. The details will be provided as part of any future planning application and will include land for a primary school as part of proposals for land at Hazelhurst Farm.
“We are aware that J13 of the M60 is an area of congestion and have been developing solutions with the various transport bodies so that additional traffic generated by the development will not make this issue worse.”
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