At the PBC Policy & Resources meeting on Thursday (30th January), members of the public raised issues regarding the joint venture company following another controversial application for a 98-home housing estate off Marden Hall Road, Nelson.
Earby Councillor, John Cooper, first asked about access to PEARL's financial accounts at Public Question time, to find out how much the land at Bailey St, Earby, was sold to the company for. He was told PBC Leader M. Iqbal would send a written response.
Later in the meeting, during the Nelson planning application, Paul Simcock said there was a lack of transparency about the PEARL deal with Barnfield. He said he had been unable to get access to detailed accounts and was being "fobbed off" by the Council. Regarding the planning application, he said PBC gives PEARL a waiver from paying contributions to the NHS and Lancashire County Council for school places, showing "no concern for school places and NHS lists".
County Councillor and former Labour MP candidate, Azhar Ali, also criticised the deal and lack of transparency and detailed accounts. He said "There's a two track planning system in Pendle. One for PEARL and one for everyone else." He went on to say the Government grant of £1m "should not be a bribe to build" and explained to the public that this is only phase one, and that eventually there will be over 200 houses built and around 600 cars accessing Barkerhouse Road.
Planning Officer, Neil Watson, advised that because Outline Planning permission had already been granted in 2017, that objections and refusal could only be determined on limited grounds relating to; appearance; layout; landscaping and scale.
Jennifer Oxley, from architects Liberata, again spoke in defence of the development.
Ward Councillor, Yvonne Tennant, spoke about the lack of a badger survey despite photos of badger present - and shown to Councillors. Recent investigations have discovered a 'prehistoric enclosure' which deserves further investigation. There were major traffic concerns regarding Barkerhouse Road and the roundabout junction to Marden Hall Road. The design of the houses was criticised and said could have been more condusive to their surroundings - being of a modern design amongst a old fashioned town. It was also expressed that residents' concerns have been marginalised, even at the Outline Planning stage.
After recognising the futility of the situation some members of the public began heckling the Council, and a mass walkout quickly followed.
Discussions between Councillors continued and Cllr Y. Iqbal said there was too much incomplete information to be able to make a decision. Cllr Foxley spoke up for a deferral to allow Councillors to recommend improvements to the appearance of the homes. Cllr Y. Iqbal proposed the motion, seconded by Cllr Sakib and passed by majority. Councillors and Ward Councillors will now have a separate meeting to discuss design concerns before the next P&R meeting.
