Just seen on Twitter that the application to increase the use of the airstrip to 365 days a year has been approved. The motion was moved by councillor Klieve, who lives near the airstrip.
Apparently though, the decision has been 'called in' and will be referred to the Secretary of State.
Hi John, info regarding permitted development on and near SSSIs is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/protected-areas-sites-of-special-scientific-interest. Wigan Council will be required to consult with English Nature regarding the planning application.
A scheme of management for Highfield Moss was put together by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust in partnership with Wigan Council, as Highfield Moss is an area of registered common, for which the ownership is unknown. Areas of common land were generally in the ownership of the lord of the manor originally, so in this case the owner could have been the church or a major landowner in the area, with old title deeds lost or sitting in some dusty old vault. in a nutshell, yes there is a management plan for the site.
-- Edited by dave broome on Saturday 30th of January 2016 01:16:25 PM
It's worth writing a clear, objective objection with evidence. The area affected isn't just the SSSI, it's also the surrounding area which contains at least 10 RSPB red-listed species, mostly farmland species. Apart from breeding species, it's also significant for migrating and wintering species
I've referred to the Highfield Moss & Winwick/Barrow Lane threads on this site, and also mentioned the RSPB report "The state of the UK's birds 2014", with relevant interpretation.
It would be useful to locate objections to the previous application
Is there a written management plan for Highfield Moss ?
Is there a species list (birds, mammals, plants, dragonflies, bugs, other critters) ?
After the previous planning application for a car park and building for the airstrip was rejected over 12 months ago, a new application has now been made by Lancashire Aero Club. This new application is for the construction of a car park (adjacent to Highfield Moss) and improvements to the access track off Winwick Lane.
As many of you will know, Highfield Moss is a SSSI with the airstrip present on its eastern boundary which Lancashire Aero Club use. Currently, the use of this airstrip is limited to only 28 days a year though this new application is viewed by many as a forerunner towards gaining full unrestricted flying from the site.
The noise and disturbance levels here are already increased due to the presence of a model aircraft club and any increased flying from the LAC will no doubt have a detrimental affect on the breeding bird population.
If anyone wishes to object to this application then the deadline has been set for 19th February 2016. Please send your objections either by email to planningrepresentations@wigan.gov.uk or in writing to:
Kevin Foster,
Places Directorate: Economy & Skills, Development Management
Wigan Council
PO Box 100
Wigan
WN1 3DS
Please quote the planning application number A/16/81895/MAJOR on your objections.