A residents group are preparing to do battle with planners over development of the North West of Preston.
AdvertisementThe Lightfoot Lane Area Residents Association have sent a rallying cry to local residents to raise concerns a proposal to build nearly 5,500 homes across Fulwood, Cottam and Ingol among other areas.
Preston City Council produced its Garden City blueprint for where the city can expand to meet the demand for new homes in Preston.
Simon Bond from the LLARA group said there was a risk Lightfoot Lane could become a “rat run” once any new developments were built.
He said: “No more traffic on Lightfoot Lane is perhaps the number one objective of our campaign.
“With a properly planned and developed highways infrastructure, there is no need for Lightfoot Lane to be used as a major access point for developers, or as a short cut “rat run” for motorists, trying to escape the existing inadequate road infrastructure.
“The lane is not wide enough to provide safe passage for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, as well as large, heavy construction vehicles.”
It also highlights a number of incidents caused by the “dog leg” bend and junction with Tom Benson Way should see Lightfoot Lane become a cul-de-sac.
The residents association also want to see the area’s character to be protected despite thousands of new homes being built.
They also argue essential infrastructure – in terms of drains, roads and more must be in place before any agricultural land is developed.
A consultation on the Garden City proposal is open until Friday 14 February.
Councillor John Swindells, Deputy Leader of Preston City Council, said: “This is about building long lasting and sustainable communities, not just houses. North West Preston is a key site for future development. It’s a desirable place to live and developers are keen to build there – so we have to strike the right balance between allowing new homes to be built and meeting the needs of the people who will live there.
“Transport, health, education and access to green space all have to be factored in. The draft master plan does this and its garden city vision is a very interesting and exciting concept. It would provide for new strong, prosperous and well connected communities – all whilst allowing Preston to grow and boost the local economy.”
You can view the full masterplan on the Preston council website.
To comment on the masterplan use the council website or email planningpolicy@preston.gov.uk
An outline sketch of the masterplan is below.
North West Preston Masterplan by BlogPreston
What’s your view? Do you live in or near one of the areas of proposed development? Let us know in the comments below