Community Gateway homes plan for Goosnargh approved

An overhead view of the Bushell's Farm development — An overhead view of the Bushell’s Farm development

Campaigners have expressed their disgust after 140 new homes were approved for Goosnargh.

The village on the outskirts of Preston is to see the development by Community Gateway Association.

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She said: “How disappointed and disgusted we all were at the attitude of PCC at the meeting.

“Councillor Peter Moss turned the meeting into a political point scoring exercise, attacking Ben Wallace and the Government and also twisting Julie Buttle’s words and putting words in her mouth.

“The fact that we have no means of replying to their awful comments is not good, as they always have the last word.

“They take no notice of any of the valid and important points raised in any of the objection letters and speeches.

“The Touch of Spice Indian restaurant application was turned down because of the design of the building and that elderly people would struggle to cross the busy road.

“Yet, the application for Bushells Farm was approved, no consideration was made for the elderly residents that live directly across the road from this development, nor the busy school and the fact that more traffic will be generated by this development and other developments that have been passed previously. So many contradictions there!

“It was a circus, I am disgusted that they attacked the people of Goosnargh saying we don’t want people to live in the village in affordable homes,this is certainly not the case, as there is already a brownfield site on Whittingham for 750 homes that would be the most favourable place to build homes.

“They basically called us NIMBY’s, when all we are doing is trying to save our green fields and stop our village being ruined.”

The land at Bushell's Farm which is due for development — The land at Bushell’s Farm which is due for development

What Community Gateway had to say

Head of asset management at Community Gateway Association Lee Garry said: “Preston City Council’s planning committee has approved our application for 140 homes at Bushells Farm in Goosnargh. We are now looking forward to working with the landowner and Paul Walton Associates to develop the detail of the scheme and to select a developer who we will work with to build these new homes, which will be a mix of homes for sale and for affordable rent.

“Our involvement in the planning process has enabled us to create more spacious, affordable homes, specifically designed for the people that need them.

“We hope to select a partner developer in the next few months, so that work can start in early 2020. We hope to see the first homes completed by the end of 2020 and we expect the final homes to be complete in 2022.”

Peter Moss responds

Councillor Peter Moss, deputy leader of the city council, was criticised by campaigners.

He said: “Planning is a complex and often frustrating task, for councillors as well as residents, at times influenced by factors that date back a number of years and can sometimes be out of our control.

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“I understand the concerns of, and sympathise with, the residents of Goosnargh and Whittingham, and regret that they felt attacked, misunderstood or disregarded in any way during the committee meeting. Our committee members do not take their decision making lightly and very seriously balance all the issues before them before coming to a conclusion.

“The Planning Committee have to judge the needs of local residents and the present generation but also ensure that the needs of future generations and other residents of Preston are taken into account.

“However, not all of the factors affecting a planning application are in the jurisdiction of Preston City Council – we must take into account the National Planning Policy Framework and the guidance of Government. And the 5-year supply issue is as frustrating to councillors and officers as it is to residents.”

What do you think about the decision on Bushell’s Farm? You can let us know in the comments below