Adrian Owens- Conservatives working for West Lancashire

ADRIAN OWENS - Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman, West Lancashire

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Comment on 15 June 2007: It has been reported on numerous occasions that there is a planning moratorium on any residential development in the town other than student accomodation. A local builder was last week reported as stating that WLDC had advised him that he would be allowed to develop a site for student use only. Is this a fact or has it been distorted in the telling? If it is true, what is the logic? Eric Beaumont, Bath Springs, Ormskirk

Adrian's response:It is a common misconception that West Lancashire District Council has a free hand when deciding planning policy. This is not the case. In this case, we have been forced by the overarching Lancashire Structure Plan to include student accommodation as a special need. The local builder to whom you refer will not have been told that he would be allowed to develop for student use only. There are several categories of special need and my personal view is that he would have been better advised to pursue one of the other options. I remain very concerned about Edge Hill's expansion plans and their effects on Ormskirk. I continue to call for the University to consider halls of residence in Skelmersdale."

Comment on 25 November 2006: In the context of growing concern about the impact of increased student numbers on numerous residential areas of the town can you please clarify the following:
1. Do landlords have to apply for planning permission to rent property to students or does this only apply to "change of use"?
2. Where planning permission is required does the Planning Committee have powers to impose conditions in respect of a) behaviour of tenants b) car parking facilities c) condition of premises?
3. Does the Conservative group have any particular policies on the proposed expansion of Edge Hill and the disturbance problems affecting several areas of the town?
Eric Beaumont, Bath Springs, Ormskirk

Adrian's response: Landlords do not have to apply for planning permission to let existing properties to students in particular. Planning permission is not generally required for exisitng property unless bedsits with separate kitchens/bathrooms are being created.

I am not a planning expert, but I understand that where planning permission is required on new build or substantial alteration, then conditions can be imposed regarding car parking. Tenant behaviour is a matter for the police, although the council's anti-social behaviour unit does get involved when it is a council house or flat. There are powers available to the council over the condition of premises, but these tend to relate to safety e.g. gas boilers, rather than appearance.

I am currently lobbying hard for the council to focus on "town/gown" relations at the Assembly meeting in January. We support Edge Hill as a major employer and economic benefit to the town. However Edge Hill needs to develop satisfactory plans for housing its growing student numbers whilst ensuring that this growth does not seriously impact on the local community. My concern is that Edge Hill are not working with the community on their plans.

Copyright © 2007, Adrian Owens - Revised -- 17/06/07
Promoted and published by Adrian Owens on behalf of Adrian Owens, The Retreat, Cobbs Brow Lane, Newburgh, Lancashire, WN8 7ND