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Last update 26/04/2022

URGENT INFORMATION ON VOTER ID: 

This year you will need ID to vote on Thursday 4th of May.  To find out which forms of ID is acceptable, CLICK HERE to go to the Electoral Commission Website

 

More Dirty Tricks by our Opponents!

Rishi Ad

It wouldn't be election time without Labour misleading the public about FRAG. What ever you think of FRAG this year the political parties are sinking to new lows when it comes to electioneering!  We had this from all sides, but the worst offenders are usually Sefton's Labour Party!  Only Maghull has been hit harder than Formby when it comes to the damage Labour's Local Plan has done to the local community.  The promisses made at the time about the improvements these developments would bring now ring hollow. This has not only led to residents groups forming in Formby, but also in Maghull and Lydiate.  These groups are also recieving the same dispicable behaviour from the local Labour leaflets. Due to the damage Labour's Local Plan is doing to Formby, its impossible for Labour Councillors to be elected on their record, so their only option is to mislead the public about others. In their case honesty is not the best policy!

To add insult to injury the Labour Council ensured that Formby would lose millions of pounds of money from development by failing to introduce Community Infrastructure Levy, a goverment scheme that would see Parish Councils with Neighbourhood Plans get a cut of the cash councils rake in on new homes.

We have complained about Labours behaviour again this year, once again to be told they Labour can and do publish stuff designed to deliberately make the reader draw completely the wrong conclusion as long as it isn't an outright lie.  This is the threshold of honesty our political system expects.  Even the Prime Minister has been a 'victim' of this kind of logic.  This inspired the parody advert in FRAG's latest leaflet.

scroll down to find out more.

 

 

 

Liverpool Rd Sewage Pumping Station!

Pumping Station new 

An application has been submitted for a foul pumping station. To view the application and leave an objection click here.  Click the 'Make a Comment' button to leave your objection.  Or send objections to: Planning Services, Department of the Built Environment, Magdalen House,30 Trinity Road, Merseyside, L20 3NJ.  Don't forget to quote the Application number DC/2021/00466 in your letter.

The Developers have applied for a foul pumping station, north of Lunts Lane behind the hedge on Savon Hook, to pump sewage off site and to a new connection near the sewage works, Hoggshill Lane. These stations have to be permanently vented to avoid gasses associated with effluent building up and igniting.  This leads to smells associated with sewage.  FRAG Councillors have asked for this application to be called in to planning committee, and we urge residents to object, in the first instance to the inclusion of the pumping station, and if it is granted it should be situated as far as possible from existing homes to protect residential amenity.

 If you would like to ‘speak out’ on this matter  before the Planning  Committee contact Bob McCann  0747 606 9487 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for help to navigate through new COVID-19 arrangements/format.

It should be remembered that Labour Candidate for Ravenmeols voted for this development and is seeking your support in May.  FRAG have fought this development since 2012, raised money for a professional planning consultant to object to this development.  Objected to it at the Local Plan Public Inquiry and when it came before Planning Committee in 2018.  We continue to support residents through the lengthy contrstuction period, and have successfully forced Sefton Environmental Health Officers to serve notice on Barrett David Wilson Homes for breaching the Control of Polution Act (for accessive Noise and Vibration) during lock down.

The Labour Candidate for Ravenmeols currently asking for your vote, was on the planning committee the night it was passed and voted for this development.  FRAG Cllr Bob McCann was also on that planning committee and voted against.  Please consider this when you go to vote in May.

Liverpool Rd CatieCatie Page Voting to build 300 houses Liverpool Road Formby.

Click here to see the Formby Bubble Article 

 

Fibs Versus Facts

Frag Lies Cate LIES march 2021

 Click here to see the the fibs verses the facts

Brackenway Planning Application

Urgent Update: More documents have been submitted by developers on the Sefton Council Planning Website (Click here to go there now). This development is contrary to Formby and Little Altcar's Neighbourhood Plan.  Due to this Formby Parish Coucil have engaged planning specialists to object to this new proposal.  The layout and drainage stratergy have changed significantly since the prvious application.  We will be meeting with planning specialists later this week.  Hopefully we will be able to put more information on here soon.

WATCH THIS SPACE! 

Liverpool Road Piling Noise update!

The piling operation is due to recommence during March or April 2021, so there have been several months in which to try and get Sefton Council to take action. There was a long time available, but it was certainly required as progress was very slow, bearing in mind that representations had already been made almost constantly since the noise began last year.
1. Engagement with environmental health.

Several online meetings have taken place where the rules and regulations have been discussed and alternative solutions proposed. We were lucky to be able to have the expertise of a recently retired HSE principal inspector who has a thorough understanding of the regulations and who supported our case. We also sourced, and had assistance from, a noise consultant used to assessing and providing mitigation for construction noise.

2. Commission of expert report.

Piling Report Liverpool Road
The Parish Council commissioned an expert report on the site that showed that the type of piling being used was less suited for the location of the site (it is the cheapest type of piling). Click here to see report.

3. Agreement to serve notice.

With our evidence  and following our discussions, Sefton Council environmental health have finally proposed to serve a notice on the developer forcing them to either justify their piling method or,  if they will not, change the piling method to another type. Additionally they will be required to engage with any local residents affected.

We are awaiting the results of these actions, but I am hopeful that we should get a good result.

I am sending you this information so that you can be prepared for further piling, but to also be aware that the noise and disturbance should be greatly reduced (obviously this remains to be seen).

I have included below my submission letter to the environmental health department in Sefton Council.
Letter to Sefton Council
Dear xxxx,

As mentioned in my previous email, please find attached a report summarising typical noise and vibration impacts associated with piling noise and vibration activities at the Land West of Formby Bypass (Planning application ref DC/2018/00658 erection of 304 dwellings).
This report was commissioned in response to complaints received by myself and the Parish Council during piling operations last year, and in anticipation of further complaints once works on the site recommence.
As shown in the report:
During piling activities in the vicinity of the site boundary, all piling methods have the potential to exceed noise threshold criteria without appropriate mitigation.
Of the methods considered, and based on the assumptions stated in this report, pressed-in piling is considered to be the most preferable on noise grounds. Driven piling is shown to be the least preferable on noise grounds.
In terms of vibration, all piling methods have the potential to result in perceivable vibration at multiple buildings, with some methods having the potential to cause cosmetic damage, however there are methods which can minimise the transmission of vibration and which should be used.
With reference to the provisions set out within ‘A Local Plan for Sefton’ (2017) and the obligations set out within the CoPA (1974), appropriate mitigation and consideration of Best Practicable Means should be taken into account by the contractor prior to any further proposed piling works.
As mentioned in previous discussions with our appointed consultants, given the existing community sensitivity to the works, and subjective and objective (attached report) evidence of likely adverse noise impacts from construction activities, we are seeking justification from the Local Authority as to why action under Section 60 the CoPA (1974) is not appropriate in this instance?
In addition, we are seeking confirmation from the Local Authority that appropriate construction noise and vibration controls, including ensuring ‘best practicable means’ are in place will be enacted with respect to the works associated with neighbouring developments, including Planning application ref DC/2018/00588 erection of 68 dwellings.

Regards
Bob

Cllr Bob McCann
Formby Residents Action Group
Sefton Borough Councillor
Formby Parish Councillor (Chair)

Liverpool Road Piling Noise and Vibration Update

Residents living closest to the Liverpool Rd Development Site will be receiving a FRAG leaflet from the Sunday 13th September.  FRAG have been responding to many complaints about the noise and vibration from the construction site for weeks/ months now.  Sefton Council are the Regulatory Authority when policing unacceptable noise from development.  Residents will not be surprised to learn that other Local Authorities are much more proactive when addressing construction site noise.  Click here to see the 'London Guide to Construction Noise and Vibration' to see how much more can be done.

Piling Leaflet

FRAG has obtained the help of a former Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Principal Inspector of Construction Sites, who informs us the the Developers at Liverpool Rd are falling short of their obligations to employ 'best practicable means' to mitigate against construction site noise and vibration.  In response to this information FRAG has secured a budget from Formby Parish Council to employ a Construction Site Noise and Vibration Consultant to review the practices of the Developers and challenge Sefton Council's view that everything possible is being done to reduce nuisance.

There is clearly more that can be done to reduce the suffering of residents neighbouring this site.  Sefton Council are the body that can insist on additional measures, if the Parish Council's Consultant identifies measures to mitigate noise Environmental Health Officers must enforce this or be failing in their legal duty of care.

If you have suffered from or are experiencing noise and vibration nuisance please register your complaint by phoning the council on 03451400845 Monday to Friday 8-6pm, and say that your compliant is for the attention of the Environmental Health Department.

Or click here to fill in Sefton Council's online contact form.  Please make sure you select the 'Environmental Health and Trading Standards' option in the drop down menu.

 

 Brackenway Update Leaflet!

Bracken HaltThose closest to the development site will have received a leaflet about the Brackenway Development having to be brought back before planning because of the adoption of Formby and Little Altcar Neighbourhood Plan.  This will enable residents to object again to the planning application.  There are now additional policies you can use to object to this development.  

The Neighbourhood Plan was designed to prevent development like that proposed at Brackenway.  There and several policies that Councillors can use to reject this application at planning committee.  We would encourage everyone to resubmit their objections to this development and we have included a useful list of Neighbourhood Plan policies that you may consider using in your objection.

For more information click here!

 

 

 

Romsey Avenue Infill Development 

Romsey Ave Plan

For more information on how to object to this development click here 

A Big Thank You to all our Supporters.

FRAG secured a perfect election night taking every seat we contested!

We would like to thank everybody who made this possible.  It was a very close fight with our main opponents resorting to some questionable tactics, however we came through on the night. 

Ravenmeols ResultHarington Results

FRAG also kept control of Little Altcar and Formby Parish Council.  All of the FRAG candidates that stood in Thursday's election were successful thanks to the support of our residents.

FRAG Fibs PopUp

Pop-Up Bill is spinning like a top as this years election campaign enters its final days, keep up to date with Bill's whoppers and find out more about the Fibs and Facts about FRAG click here.

Are You Here to See Bill Esterson's Pro Fracking Voting Record?

Go to theyworkforyou.com the independent organisation that keeps track of your MP's behaviour and voting record. See how your MP 'heroically' abstained on a vote for a moratorium on fracking and voted for more deregulation for his friends in the fracking industry.

Altcar Lane Hedge.

Having spoken to residents on Altcar Lane and surrounding area there was much interest in the Altcar Lane Housing Development.  FRAG opposed this development and the destruction of the hedge which is coming in to bloom right now. However approval was given, pushed through at nearly 11:30pm, this is not an appropriate way to determine a planning application.  It is an utter disgrace to destroy this beautiful hedgerow.  FRAG Candidate for Little Altcar Parish Council Yvonne Irving commissioned a report on behalf of Little Altcar Parish Council in support of the hedge. Here is the link, and thanks to all of those who took the time to talk to us. FRAG also asked for this application to be called in for review by the secretary of state.  Sadly were were unsuccessful.

Don't Be Hoodwinked by Labour Leaflet.

We have become aware of the current Labour leaflet being delivered right now, claiming the the Brackenway housing scheme is in FRAG's Neighbourhood Plan, This is completely untrue and we have we have written to the Returning Officer to complain.  Don't take our word for it, check it out yourself. https://www.sefton.gov.uk/media/1538265/1-Formby_NP_Submission-Version_310119.pdf

Brackenway Update: It's not good news we're affraid. Yesterday those of us that presented the request to the Secretary of state  to consider whether the application  decision should be  called in for further consideration were notified that the request had been refused. This means that the decision of the local planning committee is upheld and that outline permission to build has been given.

Can we take this further? Well yes we could, however this would be an uphill fight that would be expensive. A judicial review costs an initial £10k, then a potential further £40k. If the case was lost then costs could be awarded as well. Considering that we would effectively be arguing two decisions, one being from the Secretary of State, it would be unlikely to be a successful legal challenge.

So, is that it then? Not entirely. This was only Outline permission. There was no detail of design, layout etc. This will all be determined following a further application for Full Plannng Permission where all the details have to be presented. We will be able to argue further points at that committee hearing and this is where conditions can be imposed onto the developer. Additionally, when the development commences we will need to be on guard for any transgressions of conditions. Anyone who knows anything about the Andrews Lane development will be aware of the tricks and problems that have been experienced. We continue to fight and represent residents who have experienced problems.

When will development start? Only after the next planning application has been approved, so no time soon at the moment, but our feeling (guess) is at the earliest next year. But if they're keen it could be months before ground works start (don't hold us to this).

FRAG has longer term intentions that we will not publicise here, but for now we carry on to hold council officers and developers to account. The fight is never over and we stand by our friends and neighbours shoulder to shoulder.

If you like what FRAG does, please VOTE for us in May.

If you don't Vote, you won't get this level of support! Remember the Labour letter we all received saying objecting to the development was not the way to go? Our members were insulted, were you?

 

About us

We have changed our name. Formed in 2012 FRAGOFF was (and still can be if needed) a pressure group, however as we have taken on a wider role of responsibility, locally as the Parish Council and Borough wide as ward Councillors, we thought it more appropriate to drop the 'Opposition From Formby' part of our name because our influence and partnerships are further afield. So now we are known as Formby Residents Action Group.

We originally formed to fight development on the green belt, initially it involved a group of residents living around the farmers field between Alt Rd, Liverpool Rd and Formby bypass.  Soon people further away started to take an interest as developers snapped up more land in Formby, Maghull and Aintree. Since then FRAG has fought against Sefton's Local Plan and spoke up at the public inquiry representing residents concerns about infrastructure, loss of protected habitat, traffic congestion and flooding and drainage, all likely to suffer under the strain of new development.  Most recently members of FRAG fought along side residents at Andrews Lane as they tried to defeat a development on farmland near Hoggs Hill Lane railway crossing.  Residents in the upcoming battles will benefit greatly from the lessons learned in their struggle and we extend our thanks. 

Winter is coming - and so are the elections in May

Yes it's true, FRAG have been the majority group in the Parish Council for 4 years in May, we think we have achieved a lot in that time. Not only have we been able to provide some projects for the community, but we have been able to support many local residents on a personal basis when they have had problems. We have fought our cause on many occasion with Sefton Council, and are the only group that will stand up to officers and opposition councillors alike. We have no allegiance to anybody other than the residents of our community. Party politics have failed Formby. Bootle and the south of the Borough make the decisions that the local Labour councillors follow. They want to build large houses wherever they can to try and fund their projects on the south. The Conservative councillors are ineffective, out of touch, and poor representatives of the community. ONLY FRAG councillors will hold Sefton to account and not 'cosy up' to officers of the council. Maria Bennett, who lost her Borough Council seat last year by only a few votes will be looking for your support again this year. But not only Maria needs your support. All the Parish Council seats are up for re-election this year, and we would like to be given the chance to represent you again. Even better, why not come and join us! 

UPDATE: St Lukes Church Rd Formby.

As part of the Formby Parish Council, FRAG members are fighting to get a resolution to the problem surrounding St. Lukes Church Road and the access to both Albert and Alexander roads.  This stretch of road was successfully  claimed as a byway open to all traffic by Formby Civic Society in 1998.  However the order was never enacted by Council Officers in a shocking dereliction of duty!  Formby Parish Council have submitted a claim to the road however Sefton Council are currently seeking private agreements with land owners to reduce the level of access to this right of way. FRAG members have secured legal advice, via the Parish Council, in order to take this situation to a more formal level.