Councilors promise ‘no house building’ on Pendle’s precious stretch of green land

The issue of Gib Hill has been a political hot potato in recent years, as locals have fought to prevent development of the land, while Labor and Tory councilors have clashed over its future.

Now, following a ‘marathon’ meeting of the Pendle Council’s policy and resources committee, the ruling Conservative administration says it has finally solved the problem and many others.

Sitting until almost midnight, the Tory administration voted at 11 p.m. to see the packed agenda, which included the future of Gib Hill, as well as the fate of Nelson’s allotments at Walton Lane, a clear timetable for the new local plan, the choice of new joint venture development partner, the White Lion saving the land in Earby, the future of a car park on Leeds Road, Nelson, the climate emergency declaration, a new use potential for the ground floor and first floor of the ACE Centre, investment in Hodge House Playing Fields and refurbishment of car and truck parking in Barnoldswick.

Head of Council, Conn. Nadeem Ahmed, said: ‘Residents were there to see our group pass a resolution to ensure there will never be any house building on Gib Hill and find a way forward for it to become a reserve nature reserve, doubling the supply of nature reserve land in the interior. the borough.

“That decision alone is one I’m inordinately proud of, but there were a lot of other positive decisions last night.”

Com. Karen Howarth spoke out in favor of accepting a survey showing that the Walton Lane allotment land was unsuitable for use as a cemetery extension, as the bedrock is too close to the surface. This means that the preferred site for a new cemetery is now Halifax Road, Nelson.

“I know many estate holders celebrated over the weekend,” Karen said.

Com. Mike Goulthorp proposed a motion to transfer the “green village” of Earby near the White Lion to the city council, safeguarding its future and removing the cost of maintenance to the borough council.

Com. Sarah Cockburn-Price, Chair of the Climate Emergencies Task Force, presented the updated climate emergency declaration and advice. David Cockburn-Price insisted that the battery recycling program and leaf recycling campaign be introduced as soon as possible.

All councilors praised the work of Bradley Big Local Community Land Trust in transforming the often marshy playgrounds of Hodge House into a 3G pitch that can be used all year round and the investment by Lancashire County Council in resurfacing the lorry and car park in Barnoldswick.

Councilors also voted for the ground floor and first floor of the ACE Center to potentially become a new digital spoke center for Nelson and Colne College, not to have or lease a small car park serving shops on Leeds Road, so that it can continue to be used by the community without restriction, and the choice of Brookhouse Group as the Council’s new development partner for future regeneration projects, many of which form part of the £25m Nelson Town Deal.