Concern for village amid big homes plan

The proposal is the latest in a long line of housing plans earmarked for the village - with appeals set to commence later this year for four separate developments which, if successful, could see another 158 homes built there - including a plan for 55 houses which has already been given the green light.

It comes just days after Fylde MP Mark Menzies raised concerns about developers trying to get “under the wire” and build on rural areas.

Coun Frank Andrews, who represents Ribby with Wrea on Fylde Council, said: “Needless to say we’re not very happy with it.

“I’m really quite aghast.

“If they all go through it would actually mean doubling the size of the village.

“It would totally and completely destroy the atmosphere of the village of Wrea Green.

“There are genuine concerns with the flooding that we’ve not sorted out the drainage in Wrea Green.

“There clearly is not enough attention being paid to this.

“It is not sustainable.”

Ribby with Wrea Parish Council was given a short presentation on the proposals on Monday evening.

John Rowson, chairman of the Community Association for the Protection of Wrea Green, said: “They’re going to push on whatever happens with these four appeals.

“People are very uptight about it.

“The access is poor and the roundabout on Ribby Road is poor.”

Story Homes says it plans to submit an application to Fylde Council in early April for the development, which would be on land adjacent to Willow Drive and Ribby Road.

David Hayward, development manager at the company, said: “We did go and speak to members of the parish council on Monday evening, talked through what we’re looking at doing and predominantly listened to their views which was overwhelming objections to development.

“It was a successful meeting for them and we were keen for them to meet us and get an understanding of our product.

“This is all really still in the melting pot because it can move a bit depending on negotiations.”

The company will hold a public exhibition on the plans between 2pm and 8pm on March 5 at Wrea Green Institute, on Station Road.