Revolt over bypass could trigger development woes

Fylde Council could be asked to find more land for home building should it object to plans for a brand new dual carriageway linking Fleetwood to the M55
Singleton Coun Maxine ChewSingleton Coun Maxine Chew
Singleton Coun Maxine Chew

Coun Maxine Chew, who represents Singleton, fears she may be a lone voice against proposals to replace part of the A585 which runs through her ward.

The Gazette has learned that if the road scheme were not to go ahead Wyre Council could ask Fylde to take on some of its new house building responsibilities.

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Highways England is currently consulting the public over proposals to build a new £100m road which would cut through Coun Chew’s ward.

The scheme is supported by Wyre Council which believes it will reduce delays and increase investment into the borough.

And the authority has told The Gazette a delay or cancellation of the scheme, which could begin by 2020, could have wide-ranging repercussions.

A spokesman said: “If the A585 improvements were delayed or did not go ahead or the scheme that was implemented did not maximise capacity then Wyre will be limited on how much new housing to meet identified needs could be delivered.

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“The shortfall or any specific amount of that does not automatically go to Fylde. However Fylde, along with Blackpool, as an adjoining authority, will have a responsibility to provide for any need that cannot be accommodated within Wyre unless they are able to provide clear and justifiable evidence why they cannot.”

This is a major concern to Coun Chew. She said: “Fylde is between a rock and a hard place. It’s either agree to a new road or end up finding more land for development.

“Singleton is out on a limb, on the periphery.

Councillors in St Annes and Lytham aren’t going to be concerned by the road in the same way they might about more homes.”