'Urgently seeking clarification' - Farington councillors react to controversial plans for 86 homes

Last week the Post revealed how Story Homes had launched a public consultation over a 3.7 hectare green field site behind Oakdene in Chain House Lane, close to the border of Whitestake and Lostock Hall.

A leaflet drop with information on the scheme - and details of how to engage with a consultation process ahead of a full planning application- was made to local residents and businesses.

This has reignited local concern about development on the land, which has previously seen plans for 100 Wainhomes properties rejected.

Now local councillors have outlined their stance.

Councillors George Rear and Karen Walton, who represent Farington West, said: “In short, we are fully opposed to building on the site, and will do everything we can to support residents in opposing this plan.

“The minor complication is that the site has been indicated by South Ribble's Labour Council as one of their preferred Central Lancashire Housing Plan sites for housing (we voted against this). We are urgently seeking clarification from the Council about the current legal status of the land, and will share any information we have as soon as we have it.”

Central Lancashire Housing Plan

The Central Lancashire Housing Plan is a joint initiative by Chorley, Preston, and South Ribble councils to guide development up to 2041, submitted for examination in June 2025. It focuses on sustainable housing, employment growth, and infrastructure, aiming for approximately 988+ dwellings per annum to meet local needs. It’s been through it's public examination earlier this year, is now addressing comments from the inspector that chaired that process and, if they are addressed satisfactorily, is still due to be adopted by the end of 2026.

The plan

Story Homes say the proposals will deliver a mix of properties, with a range of sizes from 1–6 bedrooms, in a mixture of detached and semi-detached dwellings.

Vehicular access is proposed to be taken via Chain House Lane to the north. The present layout includes a local area of play and a SuDS basin (a landscaped, vegetated depression designed to manage surface water runoff). Pedestrian connectivity will be enhanced through the site and into the local area, including a pedestrian link to Church Lane.

Have your say

The public consultation is running until April 29.

You can write to Story Homes at:

Pegasus Group, Queens House, Queen Street, Manchester, M2 5HT.

Or email: [email protected]