Lostock Hall housing bid to be raised at council

South Ribble residents are seeking assurances from senior councillors over a controversial housing bid on land designated as public open space.
An impression of what the development would look likeAn impression of what the development would look like
An impression of what the development would look like

Developer Morris Homes has applied to build seven properties on land off Wateringpool Lane in Lostock Hall.

The site is protected as part of a deal struck for the adjacent 80-strong St James’ Field housing estate application.

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But, according to planning documents, Morris Homes says this “unilateral undertaking” was to meet health and safety guidelines for the gas holders on the opposite side of Wateringpool Lane.

An aerial shot of the site with the gas holders on the left. Image courtesy of GoogleAn aerial shot of the site with the gas holders on the left. Image courtesy of Google
An aerial shot of the site with the gas holders on the left. Image courtesy of Google

As these structures have been decommissioned, the “blast exclusion zone requirements” have been lifted and the developer is therefore applying to amend the agreement to allow the new builds.

At next week’s meeting of South Ribble Borough Council, a residents’ representative will ask cabinet member for planning Coun Joseph Hughes whether the authority proposes to allow this change.

The application has received 17 objections with concerns voiced about the impact the new development will have on neighbouring properties.

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One objection letter submitted to planning officers reads: “If the land was to be built on, it would become a cramped, unaesthetically pleasing new build estate.”

An aerial shot of the site with the gas holders on the left. Image courtesy of GoogleAn aerial shot of the site with the gas holders on the left. Image courtesy of Google
An aerial shot of the site with the gas holders on the left. Image courtesy of Google

Another reads: “When purchasing, I was assured that the land facing my property would remain open, I was told that was the reason we paid maintenance.”

The application, submitted in April, includes a 15-space car park.

South Ribble councillors will meet at 6pm on July 19 at the Leyland civic centre

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