Gordon Marsden MP writes for ePolitix.com ahead of a Westminster Hall debate he has secured on sustainable housing strategies for Marton Moss, Blackpool. Skip related content
This debate is designed to underline how a major planning controversy has blown up over proposals to build hundreds, and in the long run thousands, of homes on Blackpool's only remaining semi rural area, Marton Moss.
The response of Blackpool Council to the proposal highlights big challenges about sustainability, affordable housing and the regeneration of the central area of the town.
The controversy has led to a campaign to 'Save the Moss' supported by myself as the local MP and hundreds of local residents in the area.
It has been further heightened by revelations that the developers wishing to build on the Moss made two £5,000 donations to the Blackpool South Conservative Association (the council is Conservative controlled).
The controversy over the Moss was an absolute central issue in a council by-election in August.
The Marton Moss issue demonstrates the need to have a coherent strategy linking the siting of new homes with coherent skills, employment and environmental policies, and the government's desire to give preference to brownfield over greenfield development.
The debate will I hope develop this and also touch on alternative, far more sustainable strategies than large scale housing blocs - strategies that would preserve and expand the attraction and enjoyment of Marton Moss for residents and visitors to Blackpool alike.
Gordon Marsden is MP for Blackpool South.
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