Wigan Council Object to the ProposalThe Astral application came before Wigan Council Planning Committee on the 4th November. Following a strong recommendation by the chief planning officer Mr Kimber, a unanimous decision was taken by the committee to object to the application. Mr Kimber cited a number of reasons why Wigan should object to the application, including in his opinion non-compliance with planning policy, making allowance for Wigan to agree future planning and legal conditions with St Helens, and indeterminate environmental impacts in the Wigan area, including noise, vibration, and air pollution. He went on to say that he was not convinced that the proposals modal objectives were achievable and therefore not compliant with current regional planning policy. He also stated that he was unable to obtain satisfactory information on the submission, and that he regarded the Environmental Statement of poor quality and inadequate. Traffic modelling was flawed in that it understated the impact on the surrounding area. Noise, air quality, and vibration reports were grossly inadequate and there was potential to affect Wigan residents unacceptably. Mr Kimber concluded that in the event that St Helens were actually minded to eventually approve the application, Wigan would insist on additional planning and legal conditions be applied to protect the people of Wigan from the impacts of the development, including potential conflict with existing Wigan businesses, and costs associated with the upgrade of road infrastructure in the Wigan area. PAG were needless to say delighted by the decision which of course endorses many of the points it has made over the course of the campaign. West Lancashire District Council Object to the ProposalWest Lancashire District Council has written to St Helens Council to object to the proposal. The key point of their objection related to the potential relocation of businesses and jobs from Skelmesdale to the new development. St Albans Public Inquiry Turns Down RFI ApplicationFollowing the St Albans Public Inquiry, the Secretary of State endorsed the Inspectors findings and ruled against the applicant on grounds of conflict with Green Belt Policy, not being convinced that a more suitable site could be found. This is a great result for STRIFE the local campaign group and we offer them our congratulations. November Winwick MeetingPlease note the regular monthly PAG meeting has been postponed from Wednesday 5th of November to Wednesday 12th November, usual time and place 7.30pm at the Winwick Leisure Centre. Still Not too Late to ObjectThere is still time to object to the Astral proposal. You can find all the information you need on the menu item 'How to Object' on our home page. We have also included a leaflet you can pass on to your neighbors and friends to remind them!
Once again, thanks for all your help and support - it really will make a difference | 
