THE scene for an intense planning battle was set this week as residents gathered to protest against the controversial vision to create giant distribution development on green belt land.

As the Star revealed last week, finalised plans for the £150m project at Florida Farm North in Haydock have been submitted to St Helens Council by commercial developer Bericote Properties.

Bericote say 2,500 jobs will be created with an employment scheme that "will make sure that borough residents get the first shot at securing new jobs".

The developers add that "significant revisions" have been made to the proposals for the 1,400,000 sq ft development at the site following a public consultation to address residents' worries.

However, around 40 people were seen outside the site on Monday morning holding placards and expressing strong opposition to the plans for industrial and distribution warehouses on the green belt land.

One of the protestors, Eryka Hurst, a part-time cafe worker, from Haydock said: "I am certainly not happy about it, I just don't think it's needed.

"We haven't got that much green belt. There are other brownfield sites but it would cost the company more. They want to put it on green belt because it's cheaper.

Eryka, 51, added: "It is far too close to residential properties. I'm not just a NIMBY, I won't see it from where I live but I really feel it's too close to residential property.

"We feel very strongly about this absolutely."

A stormy public meeting, where the plans where due to be discussed, was expected at St Helens Town Hall on Wednesday night as the Star went to press.

Others took to social media, where a 1,400 strong group of objectors has been formed, to voice opposition to the proposals.

Marlene Downey wrote: "The objections will fly in, so come on people of Haydock let the council know exactly what you think of this monstrosity on your doorsteps. Think the East Lancs is bad now, wait until wagons are coming and going 24 hours a day.

"Bericote, look harder for some brown-space land".