Formby Parish Council Seeks Answers Over Marsh Brows Development Following Residents’ Concerns

Following concerns raised by readers of Formby Bubble about the development currently under construction at 5 Marsh Brows, Formby, Formby Parish Council has written to Sefton Council’s Planning Department requesting clarification about the scheme.

Residents contacted members of the Parish Council after expressing concerns about the apparent scale of the steel framework now being erected on the former dairy site. In response, the Parish Council decided it was appropriate to seek confirmation that the development is being built in accordance with the planning permission granted by Sefton Council.

The original planning permission for the site (Planning Application DC/2017/00736) was approved before the Formby and Little Altcar Neighbourhood Plan came into force in 2019. The Parish Council acknowledges that the Neighbourhood Plan’s policies relating to building height and scale were not in place when the application was originally determined.

However, as construction has only recently begun, the Parish Council has asked Sefton Council to clarify a number of important points, including:

• Whether the development currently under construction is in accordance with the approved planning permission and the latest approved drawings.

• Whether any subsequent planning applications, amendments or variations have altered the approved design, height or appearance of the building.

• Whether the number or mix of apartments has changed since the original planning permission was granted.

• Whether any changes have required a reassessment of parking provision.

• Whether the nearby telecommunications mast has had any influence on the design of the development.

• Whether Planning Officers have inspected the site to ensure construction is being carried out in accordance with the approved plans.

The Parish Council has also requested copies of the latest approved drawings, along with details of any amendments made since planning permission was first granted.

At this stage, the Parish Council has stressed that it is not suggesting that any planning rules have been breached. The purpose of its letter is simply to establish the current planning position and ensure that the development is being constructed fully in accordance with the permissions granted by Sefton Council.

Once a response has been received from the Planning Department, the Parish Council says it will consider the information provided and, where appropriate, update residents.

The Parish Council also thanked the readers of Formby Bubble who brought the matter to its attention.

Councillor Dave Irving said:

“Local residents play an important role in helping the Parish Council remain aware of developments within the community, and their observations are always appreciated.”