Developer back in with new plans for controversial site on the edge of Whalley

A housing developer initially refused permission for 77 homes on land on the edge of Whalley is back with a new proposal.

Preston-based Pringle Homes were refused permission by Ribble Valley Borough Council in February for 77 affordable dwellings on fields east of Clitheroe Road - an application which drew 175 public objections.

Reasons included the site not being a sustainable location, the development causing ‘significant harm upon the surrounding visual and landscape character’, and the submission providing limited information on ecology.

Now Pringle Homes have launched a new application for the site - with dozens fewer homes.

They now propose 39 homes on the 8.37 acre site, comprising 27 homes for the open market and 12 affordable dwellings, ranging from one to five bedroom properties. There would be a mix of semi-detached, detached and mews units. Apartments would be located within mews units.

Homes will either be single or two storeys in height, with Pringle stating: “The proposed scheme has been designed to reflect the materials and vernacular found within Whalley. Dwellings proposed within the layout will be constructed of either stone or red bricks and grey roof tiles with details varying from stone surrounds to stone heads and cills on windows and entrance porch features.”

Access is proposed from Clitheroe Road via expansion and improvement of the existing field gate vehicular access point located at the north west boundary of the site, and the layout provides for the retention of a ‘significant landscape belt’ at the north of the site with dwellings located to the south of it and extending to the southern and eastern boundaries.

Pringle Homes say the site would contribute to achieving the following aims:

• Will result in a well planned residential development of which will echo the vernacular of the surrounding area, and will therefore be easily absorbed into its immediate context.

• Has been designed to function well and has considered the opportunities available for maintaining the character and quality of the area.

• Helps address the needs for local housing land making them accessible and usable

• Will be visually attractive as a result of the mix of good architecture, urban design and landscaping.

• Proposal of new public green space and landscaping which will be well overlooked and help enhance natural biodiversity

• Have safe and easily accessible links in and out of the site for both vehicles and pedestrians that will help link spaces harmoniously.

A decision will be made in coming weeks by RVBC.

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