Plans in for 175 homes in North West Preston

An application has been lodged with Preston Council for up to 175 homes on land off Tabley Lane in Higher Bartle, which supporters say will bring “very significant economic, social and environmental benefits” to the area.

And community representatives say they have no problem with the outline plans, for agricultural land south of the M55, as long as infrastructure is put in place “in a timely manner”.

An application summary, submitted by agents Sedgwick Associates, said the site was allocated for development in the city’s development plan, and is earmarked to come forward for housing from 2019.

It said: “It is therefore timely to approve the development now given the significant period required to progress from outline consent to the start on site.”

It added: “The proposal is for sustainable development and will result in very significant economic, social and environmental benefits, and these are not ‘significantly and demonstrably outweighed by any adverse impacts’.

“The application proposals will include 30 per cent affordable housing to be delivered in a form to be agreed with the city council.”

A planning statement from the agents added: “As the proposals comply with the policies of the Framework as a whole, it is evident that they represent sustainable development.

“The proposals will result in the aforementioned economic, social and environmental benefits which are not significantly and demonstrably outweighed by any perceived adverse impacts.

“The presumption in favour of sustainable development should therefore be applied and planning permission should be forthcoming.”

Coun Stephen Thompson, who represents Preston Rural North, said: “As long as it’s in the designated area, I think that’s fine. The infrastructure needs to be put in place in a timely manner.

“That doesn’t mean to say it has to be there when they start, but it needs to be there as we go forward. As long as the developer follows the traffic management plan, I don’t think there will be a problem.”