Little Lever Green Belt action group supporters protest against development

The Little Lever Action Group and Cllr Sean Hornby took part in a peaceful walk to demonstrate the stance of villagers against the development.

In November 2020 Watson Construction (Holdings) Ltd submitted an application to build 274 new homes on the site of the former Creams Mill and land off Hall Lane.

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Creams Mill is a brown field site, Hall Lane, and behind Cedar Avenue are considered Green Belt.

And the action group has previously spoken out against the development.

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Cllr Hornby - who represents Little Lever and who has previously sat on the planning committee – said: “The peaceful demonstration was well attended.

Hundreds of supporters came together to show their support

“It was important to turn up for the development and listen to the views of the community.

“What amazed me was there were people from all over, with one person in a wheelchair to do this walk.

“It was great to see the community pulling together.

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“There isn’t really an argument about Creams Paper Mill because it is brown field, and it was previously approved in another application a few years ago.

“But it’s removal of the Green Belt behind Cedar Avenue and the removal of Green Belt at Hall Lane.

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“Part of the application also says that Watson Homes will fix the breach in the canal, which is welcomed, but a lot of members feel that after the application is processed they will say it’s not financially viable to do it.”

Some of Cllr Hornby’s other concerns relate to the traffic survey which was carried out during the pandemic, and he says it is ‘not a true reflection of the traffic’.

Supporters walked around the canal and Green Belt land to discuss the issues

Steve McKinney, secretary of the Little Lever Green Belt Action Group said: “Every week, we see in the media, about climate change, and the loss of wildlife, trees insects etc.

“This is due to their loss of habitat and Green Belt Land.

“There will be hardly any green space left in Little Lever, if their appeal is successful, turning it into one huge housing estate.

“The village cannot take all the extra traffic, from their housing proposals, as we are gridlocked at peak times already.

“They have already started, by felling trees, at the Paper Mill site, destroying wildlife habitats.

“And this is just the start, even though the council’s decision hasn’t been overturned.”

One of many signs of support

Supporters started the walk at the Hall Lane end of the canal and walked along the canal up to Meccano Bridge, just after the breach in the canal, whilst Cllr Horny gave a short talk on the history.

The planning application was refused in December 2021, but Watson Construction Holdings has now submitted an appeal.

A public inquiry is expected to take place in November this year.

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