Preston Golf Club homes plan could be in the bunker

Could Preston Golf Clubs plans for housing end up in the sand?

The plan, originally submitted in 2016, is for a development on land near to the club’s entrance off Fulwood Hall Lane.

It was due to be decided under delegated powers by Preston’s director of development. But after objections were raised by the Environment Agency and the city’s own ecology unit, the matter has now been “called in” by local councillor Robert Greenhalgh to be debated by the planning committee on Thursday.

Concerns raised by Coun Greenhalgh include the site being on green belt land, in an identified wildlife corridor, being in a flood plain and only having access along the club’s narrow private driveway.

Councillors will now be asked to decide if the scheme can go ahead.

Preston is the latest golf club in Lancashire to submit plans for housing on adjacent land. Earlier this year Garstang GC put in an application for 100 homes.

The Preston scheme is for 12 executive properties of at least four bedrooms in a line along the site which is on the west of the club’s private driveway and has remained undeveloped for years.

Coun Greenhalgh has raised concerns that the road is “not sustainable” in terms of access because itincludes a narrow bridge which would make it difficult for construction traffic.

He has also raised an issue over the turning head at the end of the row of houses which might be difficult for some vehicles.