Woodplumpton residents object as local centre could be dropped from housing development

The style of new homes in Cottam which could be built Pic: Randall Thorp/planning application

Woodplumpton residents are objecting to an amended planning application that would see community facilities dropped from a nearby development.

The original proposals from Bloor Homes and Taylor Wimpey for up to 500 new homes between Cottam and Woodplumpton indicated the creation of facilities for the community.

However a resubmitted Planning Statement states the development would instead be for up to 352 dwellings, with the removal of a local centre.

The document argues that existing and proposed facilities near to the 20-hectare site of farmland between Tabley Lane and Sandy Lane make the potential for larger scale facilities at the site ‘more limited’.

It goes on to cite the proximity of Lidl at Eastway Hub, Sainsbury’s Local in Ingol and Aldi at Fulwood Central as to why it’s ‘reasonable to conclude that the local area is well-served in terms of convenience retail’ and that ‘the prospects of a foodstore coming forward on the application site is limited’.

In addition, the document mentions the planned Wainhomes development opposite the application site in Sandy Lane, which includes community facilities.

Read more: 81 new homes in Broughton refused

A covering letter added to the planning application on the Preston City Council website says: “Bearing in mind provision elsewhere within the North West Preston Strategic Location and the immediate surrounding area, Officers have confirmed that the removal of the local centre from the planning application is acceptable.”

The development is one of the plans for the area stretching from Broughton and Cottam where up to 5,000 new homes will be built as part of the North West Preston Masterplan.

Woodplumpton Parish Council is leading the objections to the amended planning application.

A statement on the Parish Council website says: “Residents were consulted on the Masterplan and they expressed a need for community facilities and amenities within walking distance of the significant number of new homes proposed.

“Wainhomes have outline approval for a hot food takeaway, medical centre, public house (with hotel) and retirement apartments opposite the Taylor Wimpey site – but they could change the plans back to housing because their site is not earmarked for a local centre in the Masterplan – whereas the Taylor Wimpey’s site is – and once housing is approved, the ‘commitment’ to build a local centre would be lost for good.

“Woodplumpton Parish Council believes there is a need for both sites to provide local facilities and it is not fair or appropriate for planning officers to ignore the provisions of the Masterplan without reconsulting local residents.”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey and Bloor Homes said: “We understand and appreciate the comments of local residents regarding our proposals for a new development in Cottam.

“We would like to reassure them that we are working closely with Preston City Council following feedback to the planning application.

“We are expecting to submit further information in the near future to allow the planning application to be taken to the planning committee for determination.”

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What do you think of the plans to drop the local centre? Let us know in the comments.