Controversial homes plan in rural Preston recommended for the nod

Plans have been lodged for 24 homes in Goosnargh

Preston Council’s planning committee had turned down an application to build up to 26 homes off Pudding Pie Nook Lane in Goosnargh, against the advice of planning officers.

Now the plans have been revised and re-submitted, this time for up to 24 homes, and have once again been recommended for approval by Town Hall bosses.

Two councillors - Coun Lona Smith and Coun Stephen Thompson - representing Preston Rural North, have called the application in to be discussed by the next planning committee. They have raised concerns including that the site is not identified for development in the local plan, it is within an area of separation, and also fears over traffic and highway safety.

A report to the planning committee said seven objectors had raised concerns, and Whittingham Parish Council also objected to the proposed development.

It also said 10 letters of support had been received, all identical and pointing out benefits including starter, affordable and market houses and the re-use of a brownfield site.

The report said the objections had been considered, but said: “The proposed development would make a sound contribution to increasing the council’s five year supply of housing and would include affordable housing provision.

“The development would occupy a part brownfield and part neglected site adjoining the defined settlement boundary of Broughton and would have no significant impact on the Area of Separation, the amenities of neighbouring residents and drainage, and would not have a severe impact upon highway safety.” It added: “It is considered that, given the presumption in favour of sustainable development, this balance falls in favour of the development.”

Paul Walton, a director of PWA Planning, which is representing the applicant, said: “Throughout this process we’ve listened to and sought to address any concerns local people have. We believe this latest application has adequately addressed all of those concerns and, hence, it has again been recommended for approval by planning officers.”