Report of the Director of Built Environment
Minutes:
The Committee considered the report of the Director of Built Environment on proposals contained in the draft Mersey Ports Master Plan, which was undergoing a 13 week period of consultation which would finish on 5 September 2011.
The report indicated that the draft Master Plan set out a 20 year strategy for growth for the Port of Liverpool and the Manchester Ship Canal (collectively known as Mersey Ports) which were now under the single ownership of Peel Ports.
Paragraph 2 of the report set out the proposals for the Ports and the specific proposals affecting Sefton (Para 2.3).
The report highlighted the economic benefits and opportunities for major regeneration which development of the Ports could bring.
The report concluded by stressing the [potential environmental impact of the proposed expansion, and the need to ensure that these are kept to a minimum.
Arising from discussion, the following points were made by Members:
potential for:
Ø increased traffic – in particular heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)
Ø increased air pollution in an already ‘at risk’ area, subject to air quality monitoring – for example air quality in the Millers Bridge / Princess Way areas was already affected by the high numbers of heavy goods vehicles travelling to and from the Port, contributing to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particles. Fugitive dust emissions from industrial processes within the Port also contributed to elevated levels of fine particles in the Millers Bridge Air Quality Management Area
Ø increased prevalence of illnesses, such as asthma, and cardiopulmonary disease associated with poor air quality
Ø increased noise pollution and vibration from HGVs travelling to and from the port – particularly in the early hours of the morning
Ø increased traffic congestion coming into and out of Bootle (e.g. at Switch Island) which is the site of the main thoroughfare for traffic to the docks, rather than Liverpool
Ø deterioration of roads due to increased traffic (potholes, etc)
Ø increased carbon footprint
v utilisation of railways rather than roads for the transportation of goods to and from the port and the reopening of existing rail freight links (e.g. the Waterloo Tunnel)
v open, honest and transparent consultation with local residents
v presentations to Area Committees on the draft Mersey Ports Master Plan
v consultation with local health providers
v presentation to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Health and Social Care).
Mr. Steve Matthews, Local Planning Manager, Sefton Council and Mr. Warren Marshall, on behalf of Peel Ports, responded to comments and questions by Members.
Mr. Marshall reassured the Committee that Peel Holdings was committed to maintaining ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders regarding the Port proposals.
RESOLVED: That
(1) |
the report be approved as the basis of the Council’s response to Peel Ports on the draft Ports Master Plan; and
|
(2) |
Members’ comments indicated above be incorporated into the response, with particular emphasis on the crucial need for open, transparent and ongoing consultation with the local community and health providers. |
Supporting documents: