AN objection has been lodged by Trafford Lib-Dems to the planned development of popular green open space at Turn Moss.

The political group, has joined with protests by the Friends of Turn Moss, in opposing the controversial plan, which would see an all-weather 3G football pitch, a 60-seater café, public toilets, children’s play area, improved changing facilities and a trail with outdoor fitness equipment and improved car parking on the site.

The Lib-Dems group says it is objecting to the planning application on Turn Moss which is a popular and well used space in Stretford.

It is objecting on a number of grounds including the application does not take into account the impact of additional traffic and as a result the safety of nearby residents, it fails to address the un-adopted road into Turn Moss, which was inadequate for the development or the development of Green Belt land.

The Lib-Dems say it notes with concern the "privatisation of public land" and restriction on access to the current trail at Meadow Close, where there are "significant" issues with lack of parking.

No flood risk assessment has been undertaken on a piece of land already deemed a flood plain

Further, the proposed floodlighting would cause problems for neighbours as would noise up to 10pm each evening, in an area which would be enclosed by near 15ft fences creating yet another eyesore.

The group also object to a bat survey which it says was "inadequate and at the wrong time of year", and with little consideration given to wildlife such as nesting birds, foxes, badgers and newts who are known to be present in this location.

A Lib-Dems spokesman added: “We note with concern that the constrain documents for protected open space, landfill consultation zones, greenbelt, and flood risk zone 2 and 3 are not available on the planning application.

“This raises serious questions on the validity of the application in its entirety.”

Trafford Council leader Cllr Sean Anstee has said that implementing the Stretford Masterplan and the changes at Turn Moss would lead to an improvement in the health of residents across the area.

He said: "Conservatives are hugely ambitious for Stretford and Old Trafford and earlier this year we agreed the Refreshed Stretford Masterplan, debated twice by council and subject to an extended ten week consultation.

"A key part of these proposals is a major investment in Turn Moss, a much loved but in many respects underutilised green space. 

"It also suffers from drainage issues and the facilities are poor and in desperate need of repair.

"We want to see more people, more active, more often improving health and wellbeing as we realise our ambition in Trafford to be a national beacon of sport and physical activity for all. 

"Our proposals will see improved pitches, a new modern 3G pitch for our community teams, modern changing facilities, a new trim trail and café all helping to make Turn Moss a thriving leisure space for all.

"All land will remain publically owned and new buildings will be on existing hard standing, not fields. There is no ‘sell off’ and our partnership with Salford City FC unlocks the funding to make this happen.

"The green belt will be enhanced and protected for decades to come all while improving Turn Moss for existing and future generations.  Where there are genuine concerns, we will listen. 

"Equally, this is a once in a generation opportunity, and we mustn’t flinch now."