A GOVERNMENT minister will decide over the coming weeks whether to 'call in' plans for a giant distribution development for a public inquiry.

The controversial 1.4m sq ft plans, submitted by Bericote Properties, were approved by St Helens Council on Tuesday last week following a two-and-a-half hour discussion at the town hall.

The proposals had attracted fierce opposition, with 2,000 letters of objection.

Arguments against the 150m industrial development on green belt land included visual impact, increased traffic, and the effect on wildlife, potential flooding and pollution.

Residents are hoping to persuade Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid to call the plans in.

A spokesman for the government department confirmed the planning application had been formally referred to the minister for consideration.

Although there is no definitive timeframe for a decision to be made, it is expected to be known in the next couple of weeks whether plans will be called in.

Devastated campaigners spoke of their disappointment following the council's planning committee's decision in favour of the development last week.

Terry Robins, from Haydock said: “I think it was all decided before the meeting and they certainly as a whole did not listen to the residents and clearly don’t live there themselves.

“It’s just horrible because all of us that no longer want to live in our homes because of this monstrosity will not be able to sell.

“I’ve been to communist China, this is like another one.”

Geraldine Peplow, from Haydock added: “This will devastate not just Haydock but the entire borough of St Helens.

“They will end up taking every bit of greenbelt we have for development.”

The Residents Against Florida Farm Development committee said: “We feel like the loss of our greenbelt was dismissed for the prospect of new jobs.

“They have not considered anything that we have done or all the hard work gathering people’s opinions.

“We hope to put this forward to the secretary of state because the residents of Haydock have not been listened to and we have received abuse on social media for our efforts.”

Paul Parkinson, chairman of the committee who spoke against the plans at the meeting, added: “We are just extremely devastated, I thought the vote would have fell more evenly but for so many voting for the development is disappointing.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported the campaign from the area and even from across the country, this fight has not been in vain and we will keep fighting."