REGARDING the application for developments to expand Park Garage at Whalley New Road, Brownhill, Blackburn, which comes before the planning committee tomorrow , our homes adjoin the site.
There had been free unrestricted right of passage along the whole of the side road by the garage for at least 40 years and probably for more than 70 years, when the houses were built.
Because of its uneven surface it is not heavily used. However, for the residents on either side of the back street, who have garages behind their homes, it is essential for access to Whalley New Road and Brownhill Road.
It is the intention of the planning authority to declare the side road to be a private road and to place bollards at the Brownhill Road entrance to stop vehicles from using that part of it.
We have never known of the side road being sealed off to support a claim that it is a private road.
The owners, the Kay Group, have purchased three houses alongside the garage, to demolish and provide room for the development bringing the garage to the width of one house from our homes. They have also purchased the bungalow beyond the side road. Our concern is that traffic wishing to access the fuel pumps crosses diagonally over the wide road. This is already a problem because cars regularly block the side road by queuing for the pumps and delays in accessing Whalley New Road are common.
The proprietors claim that the development will double the number of customers. This must lead to more aggravation. Also, the plans would seal off part of the side road for garage use only.
The officers at the town hall seem determined to push this plan ahead whatever the cost to those who live in this predominantly residential area and the Kay Group are spending liberally to support their application.
Come on, councillors and town planners, with respect we ask for your help in opposing the plan to place bollards on the upper part of this side road and to have the whole of the side road designated as a public right of way.
J & J MORRIS, J & B THOMPSON, E & G BOLTON and H & S TOMLINSON
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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