WEST END residents and businesses have joined a chorus of disapproval at plans to build 16 housing association homes on the site of Battersby coach depot. There are fears that the site on West End Road is unsuitable for families with young children and that there are enough empty properties in the area for housing. A 43-name petition, seven letters of objection plus concerns from Future Windows, Morecambe Hoteliers and West End councillor, Trevor Tattersall, have been sent to the council, which is expected to give the housing association plans the go-ahead at a planning committee next week.

One resident, Mr Nigel Patrick, who organised the petition, said: "Do we need these houses? If the answer is yes then why were two blocks in Parliament Street demolished? We were told this was to improve the West End of Morecambe with more open space and areas for children to play in. Why then, when an open space becomes available can this not be used as an open space or play area? Why must it be covered in characterless houses for homeless families. The area is full of properties for sale or flats with vacancies." Future Windows, who own the site next door, are worried about children playing near their factory.

Morecambe Hoteliers say it should be developed as open space and ward councillor, Trevor Tattersall, has asked for a smaller mixed development of nine dwellings including old people's bungalows.

Recommending that the plans be accepted, a planning report states that: "although the scheme is a high density one it represents a satisfactory form of development which will make a useful contribution to the housing stock in this part of Morecambe."

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