Public meeting over test track plans

Resisdents are being urged to have their say on the redevelopment of the former Leyland Motors test track in Moss Side.

Almost 1,500 replies were received in a consultation period over the plans.

The borough’s amended Masterplan on the scheme will go before South Ribble’s planning committee tomorrow evening.

Lancashire county councillor Michael Green said it still proposes two access points off Longmeanygate and from Paradise Lane, which would be re-opened to all traffic.

He said if approved, there could be 1,100 houses generating some 2,500 cars and warned of “major safety risks and affect the quality of life of local people.”

He commented: “Further, there are no proposed changes for the junctions with Dunkirk Lane, which would be affected.

“As the local county councillor, I will be opposing the proposal to allow access for all vehicles via Paradise Lane and Longmeanygate.

“Access should be via a direct route to Schleswig Way.”

He added: “I have booked Moss Side Community Centre between 3.30 and 5.45 on Tuesday so that residents may come and discuss with me the proposals and raise any points they wish. Importantly, I would urge local residents to attend Wednesday’s planning committee to show the strength of local feeling.

“The public may speak if they wish to do so.”

Plans for the major new housing development have been put forward on the 53-hectare site. Nearby residents have raised concerns about traffic, transport links and infrastructure. They can attend the meeting tomorrow, which is being held at the Civic Centre, Leyland, at 6pm.

Visit www.southribble.gov.uk/testtrack for the report to the committee, together with supporting documentation.