Following documentary evidence from the four local action groups, the Planning Committee once again took the appropriate action and deferred consideration of the applications until a later date. The decision was unanimous.
The planning meeting was interesting in the number of times that the Green Belt was discussed.
In particular the Conservative Councillors on the Planning Committee voiced an opinion to the effect that the Elected Councillors were “The trustees of the Green Belt”, commenting that 51% of the Bolton Area is Green Belt and warning of the “Creep” effect so evident in the area.
More locally Steve Pickup (Labour Ward councillor for Blackrod and Horwich) has voiced his opinion and support in protecting the local Green Belt and indeed the local labour MP – Julie Hilling has also voiced concerns. The Liberal dominated Horwich Council, and Liberal members of the planning committee have consistently acted to protect the local people from exploitation both in the Green Belt and in residential areas. The elected members of Blackrod Council have also been very supportive of our objectives, whilst un-elected members of the Green Party also offer support, particularly with respect to the possible Blue-NG development, in Blackrod.
We are not a politicaly afilliated group, we are people who care about the environment and the area where we live. This is one of the main reason people enter political office. These very people are however sometimes limited in the action they can take by the very position which they hold. We would like to take this opportunity to say “THANK YOU” and to offer our continued support.
Also a massive “THANK YOU” to all the people who have contributed to our legal advice over the last years, via Arcon Village Residents Group, Horwich Moor Residents Association, Blackrod and Horwich Environmental Action Group and Montcliffe Residents Association.
We would also particularly like to thank those individuals behind the scenes who spend so much of their time researching the various applications in great detail, and others providing information, advice or a listening ear within the community.
Faith in democracy went someway to being restored today.
