Proposed Fair Havens Hospice - Rejected

Earlier this week, the Development Control Committee met to determine the Fair Haven planning application to build a new Hospice on Green Belt land on Belton Hills, Leigh.

It was always going to be a difficult decision for the Development Control Committee members due to the sensitivity of such an application even through the case for building over vast amounts of Green Belt land had not been made which was made explicitly clear in the officers recommendation.

The decision to recommend refusal was unanimous by members of Development Control which is comprised by councillors of colours across the political divide. In my opinion I think the decision was the right one.

I can only echo what many have already said in that I hope Fair Haven do not seek to appeal the decision as I believe it will only re-open old wounds in what has been a very, very damaging issue.

There is no escaping the fact that from Shoeburyness to Leigh, this is already one of the most densely populated towns outside of London and we must do all that we can to protect our Green Belt and remaining large open spaces. It is for this reason why I would never support any application for housing on the land North of Bournes Green Chase.

I only hope that the management of Fair Haven’s can sit down with officers and identify a suitable site for a new Hospice in the town.