IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR BANKS RESIDENTS
West Lancashire Borough Council’s Planning Committee will be meeting to consider the latest planning application for the major housing development proposed by the Council’s own company, Tawd Valley Developments.
Date: Thursday 20th November 2025
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Council Chambers, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF
The Parish Council strongly objects to this application. The development would have a major negative impact on our village, and these concerns have been raised repeatedly throughout local consultations.
Crucially, this land represents our last chance to secure an area that could become a true village centre – somewhere suitable for community facilities, small retail units and sensitively designed housing that reflects Banks’ character.
If this development goes ahead unchanged, that opportunity will be lost permanently.
At present, only 10 residents have submitted new objections to the latest planning documents. Although the original consultation period ended, you CAN still comment on the planning portal, and any new objections will still be considered by the Planning Committee.
Planning Portal:
https://pa.westlancs.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=SNVM8ARHLJC00
If every person who signed the 1,700+ signature petition also submitted an objection and attended the meeting, we could have a real chance of influencing this decision.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW
1. Submit an objection on the planning portal
You can object specifically to the new documents uploaded in recent weeks. Even brief comments help.
2. Attend the Planning Committee meeting
Thursday 20th November, 6.30pm, Ormskirk. A strong community presence makes a huge difference.
3. Email your concerns to local representatives
Residents can also email local councillors to express concerns about the development:
cllr.defreitas@westlancs.gov.uk
thomas.defreitas@lancashire.gov.uk
chairman@southportconservatives.org
Cllr.Howard@westlancs.gov.uk (mobile: 07795 200514)
If you own or run a local business and would support retail units at Fleetwood Farm, please email Cllr John Howard to let him know. This helps evidence that Banks genuinely needs a village square and local shops.
Planning Officer: nicola.cook@westlancs.gov.uk
Planning Applications: plan.apps@westlancs.gov.uk
Committee Services: member.services@westlancs.gov.uk
This is the final opportunity to protect the future character of Banks.
Every objection and every person who turns up matters.
Please share this update widely with friends, family and neighbours.