Plans to build more than 200 homes on the site of a former farm in Sefton have been approved – as long the developers provide food for pink footed geese.
Hundreds of people had objected to the plans to build on the site of Orchard Farm in Thornton after they were first proposed last year.
Controversy surrounded several aspects of the development, including the construction on an area of green space and concerns over traffic impact on an already busy route leading through Thornton into Crosby.
READ MORE: Pizza shop where terror suspect used to work 'threatened by thugs'
A council conservation officer also objected to the loss of the 300 year old cottage – although an archaeological officer said documenting it before its demolition would form acceptable mitigation.
Concerns over the strain the development could have on local infrastructure, in particular around schools, were also raised as objections.
Another objection related to the displacement of pink footed geese, which currently make use of the site.
The plans were originally brought to a meeting of Sefton Council’s planning committee last month and had been deferred after issues arose about the habitat survey carried out.
At a meeting of the planning committee at Bootle town hall tonight, following a 31 strong petition endorsed by ward councillor John Kelly and an e-petition which garnered hundreds of signatures, Thornton parish councillor James O’Keeffe spoke on behalf of the objectors.
Cllr O’Keeffe said in relation to the congestion issues along Broom Cross Road and Park View that a proposed new traffic light system, which would be installed to provide a turn-off in to the development, would “destroy work carried out so far” to improve traffic creating a “severe effect” at peak times.
The councillor argued that “the proposed junction and traffic lights in an area where roads are already gridlocked on regular basis [will] further reduce traffic flow”, adding that he felt it would lead to an “unacceptable impact on highway safety in the area.”
He added that the development “would also cause an unacceptable increase in air pollution and particulate matter” risking the health of people in an area where particulate matter levels are already close to World Health Organisation guidelines and “significant health impacts are documented.”
Referring to the objections over loss of habitat for over pink footed geese, the Thornton parish Green councillor said: “The applicant and council failed to properly follow habitat regulations procedures and this alone should be sufficient grounds [for refusal].”
Mr Wright, responding on behalf of the developer, said: “The package of socio economic and environmental benefits associated with development of this allocated site is compelling.
“We worked closely with local highways and independent consultees to address any impacts of the scheme.”
Mr Wright added: “We have a mitigation approach in place to protect migratory habitats of pink footed geese and while it is noted the conservation officer has objected [to the loss of the 300 year old cottage] that loss is outweighed by the benefits when taken as a whole.”
Planning officers said extensive modelling had been carried out to examine the impact of the development on the road network, and while it would have an impact this was not judged to be “severe.”
One of the conditions attached to the planning application recommendation included a nearly £115,000 commuted sum to provide food for the geese at a nearby site.
Planning services officer Mr Faulkner clarified that this sum would be a nominal amount for a 30 year period but that a condition of the application would be included that the developer must produce a plan to feed the geese beyond the 30 year period and “in perpetuity”.
Mr Faulkner said: “It’s a financial figure, in practice it can’t be agreed unless we have clear strategy for ensuring spread beyond the 30 year period otherwise we won’t be able to satisfactorily conclude that appropriate mitigation has been included.”
Councillors then took a vote, unanimously approving the development with conditions, including the payment of nearly £450,000 towards primary education, the development of a traffic light junction and other measures in Thornton and a commitment to perpetually feeding the pink footed geese.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
