Major plans for more than 250 homes in Longridge edge closer to approval

Hundreds of new homes planned for Longridge are edging closer to becoming a reality after the town council raised no objections to the freshly submitted detailed plans.
A birds-eye view illustration of the proposed site. Image via MPSL Planning and Design.A birds-eye view illustration of the proposed site. Image via MPSL Planning and Design.
A birds-eye view illustration of the proposed site. Image via MPSL Planning and Design.

The plans, submitted by a Mr Neil Hughes and managed by agents MPSL Planning and Design, could bring 256 homes to Grimbaldeston Farm, west of Preston Road across from The Potting Shed cafe at the north and Francos restaurant at the south.

An application for the site’s details, including types of housing on offer and pedestrian, cycle and vehicle routes, were submitted to Ribble Valley Council in February following on from the broad approval of plans last September.

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The plans went before Longridge Town Council at its March council meeting, where councillors raised no objections to plans for the 18.84 hectare site.

Leader of Ribble Valley Council, Dilworth ward Coun Ken Hind, said the development has been included in the borough’s Local Plan, and is seen as “closing the door for the time being” on other large developments trying to build on Longridge’s greenfield space.

“We have got way beyond what we could see as required in Longridge,” added Coun Hind.

The plans faced scepticism from members of the public via the town council’s social media post on their decision.

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Bryan Warburton from Longridge said: “Our infrastructure is not able to cope with the housing increase. Our roads are falling apart. We have no traffic lights across Longridge...Who decides how many houses are appropriate?”

As well as more than 250 homes ranging from two-bedroom to five-bedroom properties, almost half of the development is set to be green space, public realm, landscaping and planting.

A community hub is also planned for the centre of the complex adjoining the village green area, which includes space for business opportunities and a community meeting room, and 30 per cent of all homes are designated for affordable housing needs.

Writing on behalf of the applicant, design manager Adam Clews from MPSL Planning said that “the proposed development is acceptable in design terms, in respect of its appearance, layout, scale and landscaping details”.

Mr Clews adds: “The design and development of the scheme has been through a collaborative process which has allowed for a positive design solution to be provided on this site.

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