Further battles loom over future of Marton Moss in Blackpool

A year since it was formed, members of the Marton Moss Neighbourhood Forum have completed some of the key documents which will shape a future blueprint for the area.

Forum chairman Stephen Woodhouse, who has done much of the work, says one of the key battle grounds is likely to be housing.

The forum's Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) sets out a much lower level of potential house building compared to the number developers are expected to seek.

Mr Woodhouse said: "We have looked at every road and home and tried to build a character of the Moss up.

"The HNA will be the most controversial plan as it goes against the government's strategy for use of land.

"This is where we have to make the case to whoever examines our plan that the Moss is a special place and requires protection in law as part of the Local Plan."

The next steps will be for the assessment to be considered by an independent examiner and if they agree it, Blackpool Council can include it in its Local Plan which sets out all is planning policies.

The forum was set up just over 12 months ago in response to fears the Moss was becoming over-developed.

Blackpool Council has already introduced some policies to prevent further mass housing development on remaining parts of the Moss.

Since its formation, the forum has attracted more than 260 members.

It is also looking at other concerns affecting the area including the fear of additional traffic problems due to development of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Other plans also include monitoring watercourses on the Moss and attending to some of the older buildings such as Midgeland Farm. It is hoped to get help from Blackpool Civic Trust in relation to the latter.