Barbara Keeley Former Labour Member of Parliament for Worsley & Eccles South
On Thursday 5th January Peel L&P formally announced its proposals for the development of the land ‘East of Boothstown’ which is the greenbelt fields next to RHS Bridgewater.
I have consistently opposed the development of this greenbelt land in Boothstown, I believe that it is wrong to build on this precious green space and that it will lead to increased congestion and strain on local services. I have objected at every opportunity to the ‘Places for Everyone’ proposals, I have spoken at the Public Inquiries and I submitted a petition to Parliament on this issue on behalf of the people of Boothstown.
My reasons for objecting to this development are:
- The congestion along Leigh Road at peak hours is already dire and this has a knock on effect on all other local roads. It can reasonably be expected that the building of 350 luxury family homes will mean the addition of at least 700 cars on this development. The access road to this development will be Occupation Road which leads directly onto Leigh Road.
- Roads adjacent to the M60 and sections of Leigh Road are already Air Quality Management Areas where there are high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide.
- The proximity of the development to both Leigh Road and the M60 increases the potential for exceedances of Nitrogen Dioxide national air quality objectives, both during the construction phase and once the 350 houses are inhabited.
- Dust from the construction works has the potential to impact on residents, the ecological systems and wildlife in the area.
- There is already huge strain on local services such as GP practices, dental surgeries and school places in Boothstown. This development would exacerbate this strain.
- This development should be considered alongside the 1,100 homes that Peel plans to build off Mosley Common Road, just over the East Lancs Road from Boothstown. This will undoubtedly also add to the traffic, congestion and strain on local services in Boothstown and Ellenbrook greatly.
I will continue to object to this proposed development and I ask for your help so that I can present a strong and clear rebuttal to this development.
If you share my view that this development at ‘land east of Boothstown’ is unwelcome, please sign the petition below.
The petition will close on 27th January in line with Peel’s consultation. Please submit your views as soon as possible.