This is exactly why Preston North End’s Ingol plans were rejected

Part of the new training centre will have a 'living roof' — The plans incorporated a new training complex for PNE

Much has been discussed about the decision by Preston City Council’s planning committee to refuse a planning application by Preston North End.

The club – currently in the Championship – had applied for permission to build 450 new homes, a new public park and its training complex on the current Ingol golf course.

A second application, just for the training complex, was approved by councillors.

However, the main application for the entire site, was rejected by councillors in a narrow vote.

The exact wording of that rejection has now been issued by the city council.

It states: “The proposed development would result in the merger of existing neighbourhoods and settlements, failing to protect their identity and local distinctiveness, and would have a detrimental impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the Area of Major Open Space. The proposed development is therefore contrary to Policy 19 of the Central Lancashire Core Strategy and Policy EN5 (d) and (e) of the Preston Local Plan 2012-2026 (Site Allocations & Development Management Policies).”

Preston North End have released a statement outlining their ‘astonishment’ at the proposals being rejected – it had been recommended for approval.

It is not known yet whether the club will appeal against the decision. This would lead to a hearing with a planning inspector who would decide whether the planning committee’s decision is correct or should be over-turned.

Where the players will pump iron — Where the players would pump iron

The decision has drawn criticism from football fans, the leader of the city council councillor Peter Rankin and Preston MP Mark Hendrick.

A petition calling on the council to reverse the decision has been signed by thousands of people.

Hundreds of people had objected to the application – saying it would be over-development of the area. Their objections were backed by Wyre and Preston North MP Ben Wallace who wrote a letter of objection against the plans.

What do you make of the decision by the council’s planning committee? Let us know in the comments below