Reject plans to turn Lilycross care home into an asylum seeker hostel in Widnes Cheshire

Proposed change of use from care home to Asylum Hostel to accommodate a maximum of 120 persons at the former Lilycross Care Centre, Wilmere Lane, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 5UY Planning application no. 16/00333/COU Halton Borough Council We the signed oppose this planning application and recommend refusal on the following points. That the site is unsustainable in terms of... The concept of a hostel for asylum seekers is not unacceptable in principle, although it is quite clear that the personal, social and physical needs of the proposed residents would be best served within a sustainably located town or edge of centre location. The unsustainable location of the site will mean that there must be an increase in unregulated traffic movements, which will adversely impact on highway safety/pedestrian safety. The isolated position of the site that will result in the occupiers having no access to any other facilities than those in the Hostel. This will undoubtedly result in people leaving the site, trying to find their way around Widnes, Rainhill, St Helens & Bold. The over intensification of the site, resulting in an adverse impact on the sites green belt location. * The Government attaches great importance to Green Belts. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open, the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence. This proposal conflicts with this vision. * The Green Belt serves five purposes. This proposal conflicts with 2 of those purposes. Those are.... ● to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas and ● to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. * When considering any planning application, local planning authorities should ensure that substantial weight is given to any harm to the Green Belt. ‘Very special circumstances’ will not exist unless the potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations. * This proposals will harm this green belt location through its intensification. No very special circumstances have been presented by the applicant that would clearly outweigh the harm caused. This proposal will significantly undermine the Council plan making process for this part of the Borough and will severely limit its ability to provide a continuous and up to date 5 year supply of housing in this part of the Borough. Halton Council have spent many years regenerating the Borough, and in particular north Widnes in terms of its housing allocations. There are further housing allocations to be built out in the area, with further allocations planned through the development plan process. The proposal will effect visitors and tourism to the area & will adversely affect the current level of local employment with the development itself being situated in a prominent position on the main thoroughfare to The Dream & Bold Forest Park