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Vol 26 l Issue 26
26 June 2019
51 Moor Street, Ormskirk L39 2AG
retreatormskirk.co.uk 07732 754379 • 01695 572719
www.champnews.com
RESIDENTS’ RELIEF AFTER SUBSTATION PLAN IS DERAILED
Planning committee vote to reject scheme over concerns about possible effect on Green Belt and visual amenity Report by Kenny Parker RESIDENTS are celebrating after West Lancs Council’s planning committee rejected an application by Network Rail to construct an electricity substation on Green Belt land. The rail company had said the proposed substation, on land in Sandy Lane, Aughton, was necessary to power new Merseyrail trains scheduled to come into operation next year. However, despite the plan being recommended for approval by council officers, the committee gave it the thumbs down, voting 14 to 2 with one abstention, to reject the application on the grounds that it would harm the Green Belt and the visual amenity. The decision was welcomed as a victory by local residents who had campaigned vigorously against the plans since they were submitted in January, with more than 100 letters written, two petitions handed in and a full-colour booklet produced detailing their objections including potential health, noise and environmental concerns, The proposed structure, described as a “monstrosity ” by residents - comprising three metal buildings each about 3.5 metres high, 10 metres long and 3 metres
Established 41 Years
Aughton and Downholland Councilor David O’Toole then raised issues regarding sound levels, electro-magnetic fields, destruction of the Green Belt and the local ecology. In a letter to Network Rail setting out the reasons for the rejection of the application, the council said the substation would result in harm to the Green Belt. And it added: “The harm is not outweighed by the circumstances of the application. The proposed development, by virtue of its siting, scale and design, would result in harm to the visual amenity of the locality and conflict with the local Residents celebrate the decision to reject plans for a substation on Green Belt land in landscape character.” Aughton. A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to work with Merwide - would have been placed in an area residents after the meeting. “Throughout the campaign the residents seytravel to agree the final location of the of active agricultural field approximately group were supported by the local media, substation on the Ormskirk line, between 2,000 metres square. The council’s director of development notably the Champion newspaper. As a Town Green and Maghull. “This additional power supply is essenand regeneration had recommended result of their coverage the issue was kept approval of the scheme saying the wider in the public eye and the council, MP and tial to welcome new trains onto the benefits of sustaining and enhancing pub- Network Rail were publicly held to Merseyrail network to improve the service on the Ormskirk route. lic transport provision outweighed the account.” “We’ve committed to continue working Mr Freeman said that during the meetidentified harm. However Mick Freeman, spokesperson ing Gaby Naylor spoke on behalf of the with local residents as the programme for the residents, said: “There was under- residents laying out a number of reasons progresses and will continue to do so as we consider the next steps.” standable delight and relief amongst the why the proposal should be rejected.
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Tributes paid to Champion photographer Martyn Snape THE Champion is sad to report the death of well known photographer, Martyn Snape, who passed away peacefully on Monday in Queenscourt Hospice following a short illness, aged 65. Martyn was a stalwart of the Champion for more than 20 years and in that time became a hugely popular figure covering our picture desk for Sefton and West Lancs. He was as popular within the Champion as he was out in the community he served with such dedication and distinction. His talents behind the camera ensured countless people were able to share their stories in our titles. He became ‘pals’ with the great and good of both boroughs, striking up real friendships with so many as he went about his duties professionally and with a keen eye for a great picture. Martyn didn’t do ‘snaps’ - he hated that term and would rebuke anybody who dared to call his work ‘that word’. He was a newspaper lensman down to the core and was greatly respected for the manner in which he went about his duties. Continued on Page 2
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