Joint group meeting held on 28th April
29th April 2009
On Tuesday 28th April, a joint meeting was held at Lytham YMCA of all the local groups opposed to over-development within the area. The groups taking part were Defend Lytham, Wesham Action Group, Save Our Moss, Queensway Environmental Defenders, Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, the Lytham Civic Society, Concerned Residents Of Warton Development and the Kirkham and Wesham Business Group. The meeting was chaired by Alison Jack of Defend Lytham.
The various action groups met together in order to establish a clear picture of the overall proposed development within the area and to clarify the key issues that were of concern to the groups. The meeting held an open forum during which discussions ranged from the core strategies of Fylde Borough Council and Blackpool Council LDF, The Central Lancashire and Blackpool Growth point bid and Community Involvement.
It was agreed that, whilst appropriate and sustainable development in the Fylde Coast area should be welcomed and supported, all groups were very concerned about various proposed plans and projects. Several of these did not appear to take sufficient account of their possible impact on the ecological and social environment of the area. The Groups emphasized the need for greater public debate and accountability about these crucial issues.
An informative and comprehensive slide presentation on the wider environmental issues arising out of possible over-development within the area highlighted how certain potential developments may be designed to link up and even merge the various separate towns that currently comprise the Fylde Coast. In effect, this would create a more integrated landscape, giving the appearance of ‘A City of the Fylde’. Discussions focused in particular on the potential negative effects for future flood plain management of this possible combined conurbation.
The meeting concluded with an agreed commitment to establish an overarching committee consisting of a representative from each of the groups. Alison Jack of Defend Lytham said, “We all have a great wealth of knowledge about the many complex issues involved here and by sharing our strengths we could be a stronger voice at both local and regional level.”
The various action groups met together in order to establish a clear picture of the overall proposed development within the area and to clarify the key issues that were of concern to the groups. The meeting held an open forum during which discussions ranged from the core strategies of Fylde Borough Council and Blackpool Council LDF, The Central Lancashire and Blackpool Growth point bid and Community Involvement.
It was agreed that, whilst appropriate and sustainable development in the Fylde Coast area should be welcomed and supported, all groups were very concerned about various proposed plans and projects. Several of these did not appear to take sufficient account of their possible impact on the ecological and social environment of the area. The Groups emphasized the need for greater public debate and accountability about these crucial issues.
An informative and comprehensive slide presentation on the wider environmental issues arising out of possible over-development within the area highlighted how certain potential developments may be designed to link up and even merge the various separate towns that currently comprise the Fylde Coast. In effect, this would create a more integrated landscape, giving the appearance of ‘A City of the Fylde’. Discussions focused in particular on the potential negative effects for future flood plain management of this possible combined conurbation.
The meeting concluded with an agreed commitment to establish an overarching committee consisting of a representative from each of the groups. Alison Jack of Defend Lytham said, “We all have a great wealth of knowledge about the many complex issues involved here and by sharing our strengths we could be a stronger voice at both local and regional level.”
