Hundreds oppose new homes scheme

Residents are angry at the scale of the development in Great Eccleston, which would see developer Metacre build 93 new houses off Copp Lane.

Among the significant objections to the scheme is a submission from Great Eccleston Parish Council.

They believe the scheme would change the character of the village.

In a statement the Parish Council said: “The development would be excessive in scale and would have an adverse impact upon the settlement being outside of its boundary.

“There would be an unacceptable visual impact and a change in character.

“The settlement suffers from a lack of infrastructure and this would be exacerbated.

“Existing drainage is inadequate and new development would increase pressure. Traffic calming on Copp Lane would be required.”

A total of 206 representations were made to Wyre Council over the proposals, the majority from local residents opposed to the plans.

MP Ben Wallace has also made his dislike of the scheme clear, raising concerns over

issues including loss of greenfield and agricultural land.

In spite of the volume of concerns Wyre Council bosses are recommending the scheme go ahead.

A report prepared by the planning team said: “The scheme proposed is considered to represent sustainable development and so planning permission should be granted.”

Planners hope agreements could be put in place with the developer to secure funding for additional school places.

It is also hoped a sustainable transport initiative could be founded to reduce reliance on cars.

Should the scheme go ahead Metacre might be asked to help pay for better public transport links.

A report into the proposals said; “It is considered that the developer should provide contributions towards improved public transport provision including an increase in bus frequency and an extension of operating hours into the evening and weekend.”

Lancashire County Council has said it believes the scheme will not have an adverse impact on road safety.

Natural England, the Environment Agency and United Utilities have raised no objections.

The proposals will be considered by Wyre’s planning committee which meets on Wednesday.