Leyland will be left lagging behind Preston unless changes are made to a regeneration strategy, it has been claimed.
The town's regeneration board claims the Central Lancashire Core Strategy – which will shape the way the area is developed over the next 15 years – focuses too much on Preston.
Nigel McGurk, chairman of the board, said: "Whilst the draft strategy rightly emphasises the important role of Preston, it does so in a way that relegates Leyland and Chorley to the sidelines – which is something we will not stand by and watch.
"Leyland is the administrative centre of an economically successful borough and policies should be encouraging its growth and vibrancy, not its stagnation."
The board has now made a formal submission to Preston, South Ribble and Chorley Councils ahead of the publication of the final document.
And Mr McGurk, managing director of regeneration firm Ainscough-Johnston, believes planning officers need to change their belief that Leyland should provide cheaper housing.
He added: "The draft strategy suggests Leyland should provide for cheaper and middle income homes, but this denies our town the opportunity to provide a broad range of housing across all price bands."
>> Vote in our latest web poll