THE co-leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas added her voice to protests against the proposed giant distribution development at Florida Farm North as she joined residents outside the site.

The recently elected Greens co-leader joined a large crowd who braved the rain on Liverpool Road on Monday afternoon, arriving alongside the party's candidate for the region's metro mayor, Tom Crone.

The Star reported in July how the scene for a huge planning battle was set, as residents came out in force to protest against the plans for the £150m project. A public meeting at the town hall also saw many people voice concerns over the proposals.

Developers Bericote Properties claim 2,500 jobs will be created with plans to include an employment scheme that "will make sure that borough residents get the first shot at securing new jobs".

The developers add that "significant revisions" have been made to the proposals for the 1,400,000 sq ft development at the site following a public consultation to address residents' worries.

However, the controversial plans have met consistent opposition from residents and hundreds of written objections have already been received by St Helens Council. A social media group set up against the plans has more than 1,800 members with plans for a petition, with a petition launched with the aim to get 5,000 signatures.

Ms Lucas addressed the crowd and commended them for trying to protect the green belt site.

She congratulated the protestors on their resistance to the proposals and said that green spaces are "the life of our communities" and important for people's "overall wellbeing".

Ms Lucas added: "More specifically to this development, the site is completely inappropriate to be putting such a huge infrastructure, especially where there is no demonstrable demand for it."

She added: "There are plenty of brownfield sites that should be considered first."

Cllr Crone said: "We have to protect green spaces. This sort of development is just not the kind of development we need in our area.

"It is not a choice between jobs and green spaces. There's plenty of brownfield sites and commercial sites in the region."

Paul Parkinson, who is chairman of the campaign against the plans, said: "Our main concern is the loss of the green belt and the next thing is the traffic generated. This is a very busy road and Bericote say there will be 6,700 plus extra vehicles.

"Traffic is going to stand for longer, there will be more noise and the site will operate 24 hours a day. It is going to be a nightmare."