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A battle to build new homes to the north of the city looks set to intensify in the coming weeks.
Councillors are being asked to vote to reject a proposal to build 65 new homes on greenfield land in the village of Barton.
The plans for land off Forest Grove have triggered fierce opposition from villagers who claim Barton is already feeling the strain of too many people and too few services.
Developers Hollins Strategic Land LLP has applied to build new homes on the 2.76 hectare site.
They are now set to take the council decision to an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, on the grounds of the application not being determined within 13 weeks.
Council planners outline five reasons for rejecting the scheme:
1. The proposed development would lead to a disproportionate expansion of a rural village
2. There is not enough provision for affordable housing within the scheme
3. Would lead to a development sprawl and lose a tract of open countryside that “forms an attractive edge to the rural village of Barton”
4. Increase traffic on the key A6 route
5. Concerns over the density of the development on the site
Barton Parish Council lead objections to the plans saying the village already has few services and the development would increase the strain on the area.
They also say the housing need in Barton is not as great as suggested by the developers.
The plans triggered 284 letters of objection from local residents and the National Farmers Union.
A statement on the Hollins website says of the scheme: “Hollins have secured and are promoting a site in the north of Preston. The site is located outside of the settlement boundary but it is clear from the emerging Central Lancashire Core Strategy and the evidence base (SHLAA, SHMA and Housing Needs Survey) that the authority have an under supply of housing sites to meet future needs particularly in rural areas.”
View the full plans on the city council website.
The plans will be heard at a meeting of the Preston City Council planning committee on Monday 4 March at the Town Hall from 10am.