New homes look set for site of former fire station

Disused Chorley fire station on Weldbank Road was built in 1962.

But a new £4m state-of-the-art community fire station was constructed at Washington Lane, Euxton, just a couple of miles away, which opened in May 2013.

The aim of the new station is not only to lower response times, but also bring other benefits to the people of the Chorley area, including offices that can be used by local groups.

Now a planning application for 18 affordable homes – 12 houses and six apartments – has been submitted to Chorley Council for the Weldbank Lane site by Chorley Community Housing (CCH).

It is due to go before the council’s development control committee tomorrow and been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The council has received one objection. Complaints include: 18 new homes is too many, and the “likely result in deaths” from increased traffic with three schools bring nearby.

The committee will be told in an officer’s report: “Although the site currently has outline permission for 14 units, it is considered that 18 units as proposed is acceptable.

“The design and layout respond to the character of the area and parking is provided in accordance with the council’s standards.

“Subject to the responses from Lancashire County Council Highways and the Lead Local Flood Authority being acceptable, which will be reported on the committee addendum, the application is recommended for approval.”

CCH declined to comment, explaining that any queries as regards the application would have been dealt with through the consultation process.