Taylor Wimpey responds to Brackenway concerns as full picture emerges on wildlife, pests, access and planning issues

Following growing concern from residents over works at the former Kentonwood Stables site in Formby, developer Taylor Wimpey has now issued a detailed response addressing key issues including wildlife protection, pest control, access via Paradise Lane and recent planning questions.

The update comes after strong reaction locally, with residents and Formby Parish Council raising fears about nesting birds, bats and other wildlife, as well as concerns over how the works are being carried out.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns of the Formby community regarding our work at the former Kentonwood Stables site.”

“We would like to reassure local residents that our work to clear the stables is being carried out in full consultation with an ecologist, who has inspected the site and raised no concerns with the approach. The work was instructed by the environmental health team at Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council following complaints from local residents about pests, and we are providing officers and local councillors with regular updates.”

“We obtained permission from the council to temporarily use Paradise Lane for access, and can confirm that no vehicles larger than a skip lorry will be used. Access for the demolition and construction works will be via the A565 Formby Bypass.”

If we break this down and look at what it all means…

Wildlife and ecological concerns

Taylor Wimpey has confirmed that the work to clear the stables is being carried out in consultation with a qualified ecologist.

A spokesperson said the site has been inspected and that no concerns were raised about the current approach.

The Stables entrance

This follows earlier fears that the buildings could contain nesting birds and possibly bats, both of which are protected under UK law. Residents had also raised concerns about hedgehogs and other wildlife known to live in the area.

The developer maintains that appropriate ecological advice has been followed before any work began.

Pest issue and council instruction

The company has also made clear that the clearance of the stables was not optional, but carried out following instruction from the environmental health team at Sefton Council.

According to Taylor Wimpey, complaints had been received from nearby residents about pests, including rodents nesting in hay and other materials left inside the buildings.

They say the council warned that enforcement action could be taken if the issue was not addressed. As a result, pest control specialists were brought in and the decision was made to remove the materials creating the problem.

Concerns over pest control and wildlife impact

Despite this explanation, concerns remain among some residents about the potential wider impact of pest control on Formby’s wildlife.

There are fears that the use of poison could affect animals further up the food chain, including foxes and birds of prey, as well as vulnerable species such as hedgehogs.

Formby is known for its rich natural environment and many residents have called for reassurance about how any pest control is being managed.

Paradise Lane access explained

Taylor Wimpey has confirmed that temporary access via Paradise Lane has been approved by the council.

They state that while some machinery can enter the site from the Formby Bypass, skip lorries needed to remove waste cannot, which is why Paradise Lane is required for this stage of the work.

The developer has said that only smaller vehicles such as skip lorries will use the road and that this arrangement is temporary and limited to the current clearance works.

They have also confirmed that access for future demolition and construction will be via the bypass in line with planning requirements.

Planning application withdrawal clarified

Questions had also been raised after the withdrawal of planning application DC 2025 00957, which relates to a condition linked to the wider development of up to 285 homes on the site.

Taylor Wimpey has explained that this was due to an administrative error, stating that the condition applies to a later stage of the development when more detailed information will be available.

They have confirmed that the application will be resubmitted at the appropriate time and that this does not represent any change to the overall development plans or programme.

Ongoing scrutiny from the community

Formby Parish Council has already called for full transparency and confirmation that all environmental protections are being followed, particularly given the site’s proximity to sensitive habitats linked to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Residents continue to watch developments closely, with many calling for clear reassurance that wildlife and planning conditions are being fully respected.

How residents can get in touch

Taylor Wimpey has encouraged any residents with questions or concerns to contact their team directly.

Email for Formby Residents

Formby-Residents@taylorwimpey.com 

They have also stated that they will continue to provide updates to council officers and local councillors as work progresses.

Formby Bubble will continue to report on this developing story and ensure that both community concerns and official responses are fully represented.