A JOBS boost for a poor area - or the worst planning application I have ever seen'?
The jury is still out on United Utilities' plans for Sankey Bridges.
The scheme is for 22,000 sq/m of industrial, office and distribution units next to the sewage plant in Sankey Bridges.
At its last meeting, the borough council's planning committee decided to defer the decision until it can get more information from its highways department on a road redesign to accommodate the extra traffic.
A vote to refuse the plan was narrowly defeated. The plan had been recommended for approval by council officers.
Mr Earlham, speaking for United Utilities Properties, told the committee it would provide 500 jobs on brownfield land in a deprived area.
But residents are already angry at the levels of traffic, pollution and noise in the area.
Clr Richards, whose ward covers the area, said: "It's the worst application I have ever seen come to this committee since I have been a councillor."
He said 1,000 HGVs a day already use Liverpool Road for the council rubbish tip alone.
His fellow ward councillor, Hitesh Patel, said: "I don't think the economic benefit will outweigh the concerns residents have of the impact on them."
Both councillors were also angry that the plan assessment claimed United Utilities had consulted them. Both said they had not heard from United Utilities.
"In 13 years, I have never not been consulted on a development of this size," said Clr Richards.
The development would be off Barnard Street. United Utilities has pledged £450,000 towards redesigning the junction with Liverpool Road to accommodate the extra vehicles.
