New homes plan to be decided tonight

Land earmarked for housing off Flensburg Way, Farington.
Image courtesy of Google — Land earmarked for housing off Flensburg Way, Farington. Image courtesy of Google

The proposals, by developer Miller Homes, include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties, including a number of bungalows, on the Croston Road South site.

The 175 homes would be build alongside community green space, a children’s playground, a cycle and footpath, and part of a new link road that would run through the site, from the Flensburg Way roundabout.

The six-hectare site is part of a wider area allocated for new homes under the council’s local plan.

It is also one of the areas identified under the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal – a £434 million investment which will deliver substantial transport, infrastructure and community improvements, bringing forward three decades of growth over the next 10 years.

A total of 26 of the new properties would be affordable homes, meaning they would be made available to buy or rent to local people who cannot afford accommodation on the open market.

The developer would also pay £950,000 to provide another 26 affordable homes in the wider local area, in line with government rules.

The plans had been debated at a previous meeting, but were sent back to the developer for layout changes, and to increase the amount of open space on site.

South Ribble Borough Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, Councillor Cliff Hughes, said: “This plan is part of the bigger picture. It is a key site identified under the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, and would represent another step forward for our local plan.”

Jim Carter, Chair of the City Deal, said: “One of the key aims of City Deal is to create homes for people to meet the future needs of the area. The City Deal will bring new jobs, so it’s vital that we create the communities where people can live, as well as improving existing communities.

“The aim of the City Deal is to unlock the economic potential of the Preston and South Ribble area, creating new jobs and making it easier for residents and businesses to get around. It’s an exciting time for the area and we’re determined to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The plans are recommended for approval.