Late changes help Grimsargh housing bid

A housing development in Grimsargh has received approval from the town hall after developers made late changes to their plans.
The housing layout in GrimsarghThe housing layout in Grimsargh
The housing layout in Grimsargh

The Wainhomes proposal for the design of 34 homes at Park House Farm off Whittingham Lane had initially been recommended for rejection by council officers.

Outline permission for the scheme had been granted last year but an initial report prepared for the latest planning committee meeting outlined concerns over separation distances and the location of the site’s affordable houses.

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The developers submitted changes relating to these issues and as a result the recommendation was changed to approve.

The committee agreed to permit planning permission by a vote of 10 to two.

However, Coun Neil Cartwright, Conservative for Preston Rural East (pictured), voiced opposition to the plans.

He told the committee questions remain in relation to the affordable homes on the site, which are about a third of the provision. He told colleagues: “It isn’t ideal still, because there isn’t a great change in the layout of the affordable homes and my observation is that they are actually very small. Wainhomes are sticking to the letter of the (affordable homes) policies but not the spirit.”

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Officers had raised concerns about the affordable being grouped together before the changes. Coun Cartwright added: “I still have grave reservations about sustainability. I would like to remind members access is on a blind bend and there is a long stretch of main road with no or limited pavement and no lighting.

“What happens if there are no takers for the affordable housing? Will they be under obligation to still build (them)?”