Preston homes set for approval despite MP objections

Four schemes to bring 250 homes to Preston, including developments at Swainson Farm which has seen a backlash from local MP Ben Wallace, are recommended for approval at the city’s planning committee this week.

One of the schemes is an application for 87 new homes on a 10-acre site on Goosnargh Lane near Swainson Farm. Michael Wells is the developer behind the application and is suggesting that 30 homes will be affordable housing – Which meets the 35% requirement.

The scheme is recommended for approval subject to a Section 106 agreement for an education provision, the future management of the public open space and provision for a new enhanced bus service between the village and city centre.

Whittingham Parish Council and Goosnargh Parish have objected to the scheme, with issues including the inadequate public transport offer, the housing provision does not outweigh the loss of rural villages, it represents a flood risk and that the site is not allocated in the Local Plan for housing and is contrary to the Development Plan.

MP of Wyre and Preston North Ben Wallace, has also objected to the application due to similar points as above along with the fact that “the site is within the open countryside which the Council was seeking to protect.” Other objections have been raised by locals, and the scheme has received 44 letters against the proposals which agree with the aforementioned points.

The Swainson Farm site on Goosnargh Lane has proved popular with applications, and has received another proposal from Michael Wells for 40 homes on a different 4.6-acre site.
This application is for a poultry farm and includes the demolition of 50,300 sq ft of farm buildings to build 14 affordable and 26 homes for private sale.

The points of objection from before stand for this application also, including comments from both parishes and MP Ben Wallace. Over 30 letters of objection were submitted by locals for this scheme with the same points as made earlier, but also questioning the loss of a local business.