Green fields under threat from development

The green gap between Grimsargh and Preston has been defended further by a recent planning appeal dismissal.

Inspector Alison Lea said the “area of separation” between the village and the city must be maintained.

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Hallam Land Management had applied to build up to 100 homes on land to the North of an area called The Hills.

The site off Longridge Road was right in the south of the village.

Preston City Council’s planning committed refused the application in July.

Ms Lea wrote: “I acknowledge that the current scheme would not extend as far to the north as that proposal and that the houses would be set back further from Longridge Road. These changes have been made in an attempt to address the concerns of the Inspector in relation to the Previous Scheme and I accept that the impact of the proposal before me would be less than the impact of the scheme for 143 houses.

“Nevertheless I consider that the conclusion of the Inspector in that case that “the further narrowing of the gap between Grimsargh and Preston, at what is already its narrowest point, would materially compromise the function of the AOS (area of separation) in protecting the identity and distinctiveness of Grimsargh as a village, separate from the built up area of Appeal Decision.”

The planning application has been the subject of a fierce campaign against it by Grimsargh Parish Council.

A statement from Grimsargh Parish Council said: “Grimsargh Parish Council believes the Hallam development was a major threat to the fundamental identity of Grimsargh as a village.

“We are delighted that the Planning System has, so far, proved effective in defending us against this threat. We thank the large number of Grimsargh residents who have put in the time to write in and make clear their opposition to the development.

“We are also grateful to the Preston City Council Planning Officers – who put up robust defences in the face of very difficult questioning from the Hallam Barrister during the appeal hearing. The support of our local MP and City Councillors has also all come together to show a united and robust opposition to this development.

“We hope that this will finally herald the end of this threat to our village.”

You can read the full decision from the planning inspector here.

Do you live in the area? What do you think  of the decision? Let us know in the comments below