Greenbelt land in Formby may be built on to solve a housing shortage

Sep 16 2009

FORMBY will need 600 more homes built over the next 15 years to stave off a looming housing crisis, the Times can today reveal.

However, housing chiefs can only identify space for another 300 – sparking a potential shortage by 2018.

And with no space for growth, developers could be given the green light to build properties on previously protected Greenbelt land.

Sefton Council’s housing study, which will form part of the borough’s overall strategy for the future, outlines little scope for development.

In the report, planning director Andy Wallis said: “All the studies indicate that there will be intense pressure on land in the urban area and an alternate supply will be required to meet needs.

“Formby is surrounded by land which is constrained by a variety of factors, such as areas which are subject to coastal erosion, areas at risk of flooding, high quality agricultural land and sites of natural conservation interest.

“This limits its potential for growth.”

To combat a housing shortage, the report recommends building in higher densities in selected places, on land currently identified for employment, or building on Greenbelt that is “less valued” by local communities.

Formby stakeholders consulted in the study, however, insist greenspace should be protected where possible.

“The consensus was that areas of existing green space, such as the former Holy Trinity school site should be protected from inappropriate development and should not be automatically considered as housing sites”.