Blackpool Tram Depot - Government Investigate!

[Pete]

Although Blackpool Councils Planning meeting on the 11th Jan 2010 passed the planning application to build a new tram depot at Starr Gate, for the second time, the Government are now examining the planning application. It is said they will make a decision within days as to weather the £20 million depot can be built!!!

Well this is really going to put the cat amongst the pigeons. They have already ripped up the tram tracks. So if the Gov turns the application down or orders a public enquiry the council will have to relay the tracks before the summer or the trams will have to terminate at the Pleasure Beach!!!

[gazman2k]

It's the residents in Star Gate that caused an outcry and the government decided to listen after all this time!

[Pete]

There are something like 64 objections and 2 petitions against the tram depot. So I do think an independent body should assess the Planning Application.
On the other hand its the Gov that are funding the work so maybe they will try stop it so they can get their money back

I just went past the site and boy is it cracking on at a pace. Most of the Steel structure is up!! It does look big and will be restricting some peoples views.
I dont think they will ever actually build the 'museum' bit as there isnt really the space to do it justice.

Anyway I hope it does get planning permission and the museum does get built as it will look better than an old car park and will provide a good workshop for the new trams.
Plus I guess when they start using the new trams they will run all the way to Starr Gate late in the evening. Currently, when they are running, they run all the way to Starr Gate till about 11:30pm after that they just run to Rigby Road.

[Pete]

The Government have today announced that the Tram Depot can go ahead without a public inquiry.
Well thats good news considering the money the council have already spent building it!!!
The Council really should stop risking our tax and Council tax. They know all too well that should they build anything that requires planning permission before they actually have the permission they might have to pull it down if they fail.
I know they always want things fast but they need to get permission just like anyone else. Who would build a new extension without planning permission? Knowing that if they fail to get permission it would have to be taken down. You wouldn't do it if it was your own money so why do it with public money....
Just look at what has happened at Flagstaff Gardens with Carneskys Ghost Train: http://www.blackpoolweb.com/forum/f5...gardens-t4011/