Historic seaside town’s largest green space could be tarmacked over to make way for traveller site

An iconic seaside town could soon see its largest green space paved over in order to make way for a traveller site.

A planning application has been put in seeking to expand an existing traveller site in Blackpool's Marton Moss area.

The proposals, put forward by applicants Boswell, Beal and Boswell-Jones, concern a parcel of land situated to the north of School Road and east of Midgeland Road.

Bolton-based Neil Pike Architects is acting as agents on the scheme.

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Marton Moss is regarded as the town's largest area of green space and retains a semi-rural character.

The site already operates as a traveller site, though on a considerably smaller scale than what is now being proposed.

Each of the four proposed pitches would accommodate one static caravan or chalet alongside a single touring caravan, with an ancillary greenhouse structure also included on every plot.

The development would additionally feature amenity space for residents, car parking provision and landscaping across the site.

Access for all pitches would be shared via School Road.

While the land is already home to a traveller site, the current operation is significantly more modest in scale than the enlarged development now being sought.

The expansion would represent a substantial change to this part of Marton Moss, which is characterised by its open, semi-rural setting.

A supporting statement prepared by Neil Pike Architects contends that the scheme would be more appropriate for the site than an earlier, unconnected proposal to construct bungalows on the same land.

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The architects argue: "Rather, it continues and responds positively to a long-established pattern of land use, which has played a fundamental role in shaping the character, function and identity of the locality."

The statement adds: "The Application proposal has therefore been conceived in a manner which responds positively to the established surroundings rather than introducing an overtly suburban form of built development."

Neil Pike Architects maintain the plans respect the site's historical usage while supporting its gradual and sensitive evolution.

The application was first lodged with Blackpool Council in June, with additional documentation submitted on July 28.

Planners are yet to reach a decision on the proposals, which remain pending consideration.

The scheme's supporting documents emphasise that the development should not be viewed as an incongruous addition to the area.

Neil Pike Architects state: "In this context, the proposed development is considered to sit comfortably within the established narrative of the site and its surroundings, respecting its historical use whilst also contributing to its sensitive and progressive transition."

A determination from Blackpool Council's planning department is yet to be made.

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