A swathe of greenfield land near Grimsargh could disappear under a brand new housing development.
AdvertisementPlans for 200 new homes have been submitted to Preston City Council for consideration on an 11.5 hectare site off Longridge Road just north of the Red Scar Industrial Estate.
The development would see two to five bedroom homes built right on the edge of the city limits, with 20% of the houses given over as affordable housing for first-time buyers or elderly residents.
View on the map below the location of the proposed development
View Site of proposed 200 homes near Grimsargh in a larger map
Hallam Land Management who are applying for planning permission say the development will be “worthwhile”.
Christopher Hough from Sigma Planning Services writes: “This is a worthwhile development proposal that will have only limited impacts upon the surrounding area and will generally be in accordance with the development plan and the emerging spatial vision for Preston.
“It will bring a number of local benefits to the area, including much needed affordable housing and economic growth by way of employment during the construction period and support for the local economy thereafter.”
He goes on to say the Preston East Employment Area needs more high quality housing to help foster economic growth.
The plans face opposition from Grimsargh Parish Council and local residents.
Their website says how 81 residents who attended a meeting showing the plans at Grimsargh Village Hall in September were against the development, with 6 undecided and no one in favour.
A statement says: “We re-iterate that we are against this proposal in any form, irrespective of any content.”
The Parish Council have highlighted their concerns about the number of proposed developments in and around the North East of the city.
Plans for the site show how half of the land will be left as green space, as developers face a challenge over the the Great Crested Newt which has been found on the site.
They live within two ponds in the area and any development will need to take into account the wildlife.
Preston and the surrounding area currently faces a challenge of how to meet a demand for new homes caused by a population increase.
The Core Strategy for Central Lancashire which will outline where up to 20,000 new homes could be built is being consulted on.
The plans are on display on the council website and will go to the planning committee on the 9th January 2012.
If you wish to comment on the application you can write to the Planning Department, Environment Directorate, Lancastria House, 77-79 Lancaster Road, Preston, Pr1 2RH or email devcon@preston.gov.uk. You must include the application number 06/2011/0882 in any correspondence.
Do you live in the area? What do you think about the plans? Let us know your views in the comments below