Concerns Raised Over Plans To Remove Trees And Green Space For More Parking At Formby Pool

Residents and Formby Parish Council are raising concerns regarding part of planning application DC/2026/00538 relating to the proposed additional 23 car parking spaces at Formby Swimming Pool.

It is important to make clear that neither local residents nor the Parish Council are objecting to the proposed new gym and improvements to the leisure facilities themselves. Many people recognise the value of improving health and fitness facilities within the community.

The concern relates specifically to the proposal to create an additional 23 car parking spaces on land directly adjacent to the rear gardens of homes in Elbow Lane and Duke Street.

Residents say the area currently forms an important green buffer containing established trees, shrubs and vegetation which separate the leisure complex from neighbouring residential properties. Concerns have been raised that the removal of this green space and wooded area could have a significant environmental impact on local residents and the wider area.

Concerns raised include:

• Loss of established trees and vegetation

• Impact on wildlife and biodiversity

• Reduction in air quality benefits provided by existing tree cover

• Increased vehicle noise and disturbance behind residential gardens

• Headlights and light pollution affecting nearby homes

• Loss of privacy and residential amenity

• Increased encouragement of car usage rather than sustainable transport

There is also concern that newly planted replacement trees would take many years to provide the same environmental and visual benefits as the existing mature landscaping.

Many residents feel that encouraging walking, cycling and public transport would be more in keeping with modern environmental and public health objectives than removing green space to create additional car parking.

The objection is therefore not against the leisure improvements themselves, but against this particular part of the proposal involving the additional parking spaces and the environmental impact this could have on neighbouring residents and the character of the area.

Residents are encouraging members of the public to review the plans for themselves and submit comments to Sefton Council before any final decision is made.