Developments like these are destroying our close communities, say protesters in Lancashire village

In blistering comment on how housing developments are impacting the delicate balance of traditional villages, Stalmine-with-Staynall Parish Council says applications are being allowed without the proper provisions such as schools, GP surgeries or highway considerations.

It comes after plans were put forward to build 79 new affordable homes in the village of Stalmine.

The proposals have been submitted to Wyre Council by applicants Maybern Planning and Development, on behalf of Westchurch Homes

They are proposing to develop land off Strickland Lane, on a parcel of greenfield land measuring 2.3ha, that fronts Stricklands Lane on the immediate southern edge of the village.

The applicants argue that the plans should be approved immediately because they are the right fit on social, economic and environmental grounds.

But the parish council argues they will be highly detrimental to the village.

What the parish council says

In planning papers, Debbie Smith commented for the parish council: “The council agrees these developments are destroying our close communities, destroying our rural identity, and they are destroying our countryside.

“Stalmine does not have the infrastructure to meet the development requirements.

“Current developments, and now a further proposed development, are not just impacting Stalmine but its neighbouring parishes, Hambelton, Preesall, Pilling and Knott End, placing additional strain on what are already poor roads, placing more stress onto the already lack of services, facilities, infrastructure, doctors, dentists, and a general lack of council services. “

The council took issue with claims that Stalmine already had a range of amenities and with the transport statement, that 79 dwellings would only produce 42 two-way trips per day based on two people living there.

It added: “The council would like to see doctors, dentists, schools, highways, United Utilities, Wyre Borough meet to discuss how they are going to meet residents' needs in order to support the development within the area, because at present they do not. Further development would put an additional burden on these services, which are already seriously lacking Over Wyre.”

The proposals

The new housing would be a mix of 10 house types with 1–4-bedrooms, including apartments, bungalows, semi-detached and mews homes.

The site currently consists of a number of small fields separated by wire fencing, which are currently in grazing use.

The land also contains a small area in use as an equestrian riding area, with a building used for stabling and equestrian storage on its northeastern boundary.

The development site can currently be accessed via two separate access points, one located by the field gate located on Stricklands Lane, and the other at the end of Meadow View Court.

.Westchurch is a housing development company which specialises in the building of affordable and adaptable homes throughout the North-West.

They have recently built sites across Lancashire, including a former school site in Lostock Hall near Preston (55 units) and in Chorley where they are currently on-site building homes at Charter Lane in Charnock Richard (76 units).

At a formal pre-application meeting with Wyre Council, it was agreed that the development site was in principle an acceptable location for new housing. However, concerns were raised about the site’s susceptibility to surface water flooding.

What the applicants say

A planning statement on behalf of the application said: “This provision for affordable housing meets local and Borough wide need in Wyre.

“Westchurch, as an experienced developer of this type of housing, are committed to delivery of the site and intend to deliver the site quickly to address this need.

“The proposed development will lead to support to local facilities and services via population and consumer expenditure

It will bring local jobs support for construction and related local suppliers and consumer expenditure to support local businesses

“It is development of a site adjacent to the defined settlement boundary which is well contained visually and has no environmental or site specific policy constraints

“There will be retention of key ecological features on the site (including the existing pond ) and delivery of biodiversity gain.

“Accessibility is by a range of means with cycle, foot and bus services. It is delivery of a high quality built environment that respects neighbouring uses and amenity

“Accordingly the application should therefore be approved without delay. “

It is anticipated that the proposals will go before Wyre Council’s planning committee at a later date.

You can view the full application (25/01054/FULMAJ) and related documents on the Wyre Council planning website here.