AN APPLICATION three industrial units has been refused following objections raised by Knowsley Council.

The application to construct the units on land south of Stopgate Lane at Simonswood Industrial Estate was refused by West Lancashire District Council’s planning committee.

The proposals were for three industrial units, totalling 14,735sq m, with associated office space, and car parking.

Knowsley Council had raised a number of concerns about the application, including the impact of dust and noise the development would create and the resulting increase of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the area.

Representations were made by three councillors from Shevington Ward, which borders the proposed site. Councillors Tony Brennan, Tommy Rowe and Aimee Wright objected to the principal of development and the additional HGV movements which would result in more material deposited on the road being dragged close to residential properties.

The councillors also raised the issue that more HGV traffic would be directed towards Kirkby due to the proposed design of the site.

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Cllr Tony Brennan, Shevington ward councillor and cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “If approved this development would have had a detrimental impact on the lives of local residents, who have been clear about their objection to the proposals and are already experiencing problems from this site. Knowsley Council has been firmly opposed to this planning application and we’re delighted the planning committee at West Lancashire District Council has considered our representations and refused this application.

"The development would have created more dust and noise pollution and resulted in a further significant influx of HGV’s on Kirkby’s roads – only exacerbating the existing issues residents are facing. We will continue to fight any application that we believe has a negative impact on the lives of our residents.”