A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to develop a marina and hotel complex in Carnforth has raised safety concerns.

Most members of Carnforth Town Council are fiercely opposed to the development after councillors learnt it would be built close to ‘high pressure’ gas pipes.

It is the second time that councillors have objected to the development of a 50-berth marina and 60-bed hotel that, if given the go- ahead, would be built on land between Whernside Grove and the Lancaster Canal.

“I know it’s a high pressure main and I know the consequences that could happen,” said Coun Bob Roe.

The meeting was told the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had previously recommended the application be rejected, saying it could bring about ‘a risk of harm’.

“The possibility remains that a major accident could occur at an installation and that this could have serious consequences for people in the vicinity," they said in their response to planning authority Lancaster City Council.

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Addressing the meeting, Derek Parkin of Whernside Grove, said: “Surely if the HSE have objected to it, they can't go ahead with it.

“Surely the city council would be foolish to go ahead with it because they could end up in court.”

The development is planned for land just south of Brewer’s Barn, with access from the A601(M).

The latest Carnforth Town Council objection came at the second meeting about the matter.

The first was last year, when councillors officially objected to the development – but this was thrown out after further reports about the area’s ecology were submitted.

At the latest meeting, held last Wednesday at Carnforth’s Furness and Midland Hall, residents also raised concerns about pollution and increased traffic.

However, Coun Ian Dent said that he thought the development could bring 'a goodly number of jobs' to the town.

All members except Coun Dent voted to continue opposing the plans.

“Nothing’s changed since last time," added Coun Paul Gardner.

“We just seem to go round in circles with this.”