How the Grimsargh Wetlands may look once the nature reserve is created
Long-term safety for a new Preston nature reserve has been secured – by building on part of it.
Grimsargh Wetlands is to be preserved as the land is transferred into the ownership of Grimsargh Parish Council.
Twelve homes are to be built on a section of the reservoirs to fund the upkeep of the nature site for decades to come.
United Utilities had previously seen its proposals rejected by Preston City Council but on Thursday the plans were approved.
The parish council said they were ‘thrilled’ at the decision.
They said: “Our thanks to United Utilities for their persistence and to all those residents, and others, who wrote in support. Now the real work begins.”
Read more: Council to take Grimsargh housing plan to court of appeal
Permission was granted after the water firm and the city council came to an arrangement for affordable housing to be funded elsewhere.
United Utilities said the development was too small for it to make any of the homes be classed as ‘affordable’.
The deal between the council and the water firm must be reached by Wednesday 15 June or the planning permission is declared null and void.
Do you live in the area? What do you think of the decision? Let us know in the comments below