Third time lucky for controversial rural Preston homes plan

It was a case of third time lucky for a controversial housing site plan for rural Preston.

A re-submitted bid by Wainhomes for outline plans off Garstang Road in Broughton returned to city council planners, and this time was passed.

The firm had been knocked back twice in recent years but eventually got the green light because of the council’s housing supply shortfall problems.

The bid relates to a 45-strong housing site.

Wainhomes first submitted plans on the site in 2015 that were rejected by the council as it then had a demonstrable five year housing supply.

The town hall said the development would constitute an “unacceptable expansion of a rural village” and was contrary to local planning guidelines.

A second bid a year later was rejected on similar grounds although the decision was taken to appeal.

A public inquiry was held in June last year with an independent inspector upholding the initial decision.

However, the latest bid came in the wake of the local authority losing two appeals relating to sites in Broughton and an inspector deeming there is a “substantial shortfall” in the city region’s housing supply.

The decision means council’s must show over-whelming evidence to support the rejection of housing sites, tilting the balance in favour of development.

And in previous meetings, councillors have warned about the risk of being forced to pay substantial costs if decisions not based on planning policy are taken to appeal.

Developers will be expected to contribute to the costs of a cycle lane on the A6 as a condition of permission.