Decision due on controversial plan for 159 new homes in Hutton - here's what is recommended
70 letters of objection have been submitted.
A decision will be made next week on a controversial plan to build 159 new homes on fields in Hutton.
McDermott Homes have made the application for 14.3 acres of land off Walton Gardens - close to Hutton Grammar School - which is allocated for housing in the submitted Central Lancashire Local Plan 2023 - 2041.
The application seeks full planning permission for a residential development of 159 dwellings (including 56 affordable) with associated landscaping, public open space, car parking and access. The development would comprise of one, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom dwellings in a mix of detached, semi-detached, mews, and maisonettes (all two storey) in addition to a wheelchair accessible single storey bungalow.
The original plan was for 161 homes on the former Lancashire County Council land, but this has been reduced by two.
Objections
A total of 70 letters of objection against the proposal have been registered with South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC). Concerns raised include:
- Impact on residential amenity
- Design, character and appearance
- Highways, access and parking
- Ecology, trees and landscaping
- Drainage and Flood risk
Hutton Parish Council has also raised concerns. They say that the proposal “presents significant issues and concerns with regard to road safety”, claiming that the area is heavily congested, particularly at school times. The council has requested that road safety measures are installed to mitigate potential road safety issues and have asked for a revised plan significantly reducing the number of dwellings.
No objections have been made by statutory consultees, but recommendations have been made, including Lancashire County Council as Local Highways Authority (LHA) seeking £50,000 per annum for five years towards increasing the regularity of the existing bus services at the location, particularly improving the five evening and Sunday bus services. A £6,000 Travel Plan contribution is also requested.
What would the homes look like?
The proposal is that the homes would feature either light or dark red facing brick, with some part-rendered, or full natural white render, and slate grey tile roofs. Doors, windows, fascias and rainwater goods will be black and white uPVC. Decorative stone cills, brick banding, gabled sections, and front canopies would ‘provide interest’ on some properties.
Most plots will be enclosed by 1.8m high feather edge fencing and access would be taken off a spur from Walton Gardens.
Recommendation
SRBC planning officers have compiled a report ahead of a planning committee meeting on Thursday, July 23. They recommend that the decision to grant planning permission be delegated to the Head of Planning and Enforcement in consultation with the Chair/ Vice Chair of Planning Committee, subject to conditions and the successful completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure on-site public open space, affordable housing, off-site playing pitch contribution, off-site playground funding, bus service contribution, and a travel plan monitoring contribution.
The planning committee will meet at 6pm on Thursday, July 23 at the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland. The meeting will also be screened on the council’s YouTube channel.