Updated plan for new Longridge housing estate removes pond and loses open space

A plan for 52 new homes at Chapel Hill, Longridge, without a pond that was previously proposed in another version

A new plan for changes to parts of a housing development in Longridge has led to objections from 16 households including the potential loss of open space, footpath and road changes, the site’s impact on a conservation area and accusations of ‘unlawfully dumped’ soil.

In addition, a proposed new pond that was included in an earlier version of the plan for the site, at 53 Chapel Hill, has now been removed. This is because a housing association interested in the development is worried about the safety of residents in future, according to documents sent to Ribble Valley Council.

But Longridge Town Council fears the potential changes, if approved, could set a precedent for other developers to remove proposed open spaces or other features at locations elsewhere.

Applicant Karl Illingworth, of Stockport Developments Ltd in Greater Manchester, wants to vary conditions in an updated plan for 52 new houses, conversion of a former barn and refurbishment of an existing house at 53 Chapel Hill in Longridge. Also proposed is access and landscaping work. The new application seeks planning permission for changes to paths and road locations, removal of a suggested pond and some car parking changes.

The original application for the Longridge site was considered by Ribble Valley Council in 2012. Then planning conditions were varied in 2014 and 2015 to allow for a phased development, a council planning report states.

Pond shown on the housing development on land off Chapel Hill, Hall Barn Drive, Longridge.

Regarding the proposed pond’s removal, Clitheroe-based D2 Architects wrote last year in support of Mr Illingworth to Ribble Valley Council. The architects’ letter states: “The main purpose of this variation is to remove the pond from the eastern end. The site is being sold to a housing association which has expressed concerns about health and safety implications of a pond for their future residents.

“The pond was originally proposed for the attenuation of surface water drainage, as part of overall drainage. This no longer needed because the approved drainage scheme includes for attenuation elsewhere.

“The ecological survey originally submitted with the application found no greater crested newts in the area. It concluded the pond can only be a minor benefit to the site, while acknowledging that attenuation ponds are not optimal for wildlife.”

Because of climate change, increased rainfall and flood risks, attenuation ponds or underground storage tanks are increasingly found to control surface water in developments

Ribble Valley planning officers are recommending councillors on the planning committee to defer the latest application, allowing the borough’s director of planning to deal with it including a legal agreement and various conditions.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.