Poulton homes scheme U-turn

Developer Redrow said the 100 new homes at the 12-acre Oldfield Carr Farm, in Carr Head Lane, will ‘result in significant benefits to the immediate surrounding area’.

But neighbours opposed to the scheme – more than 100 letters of objection were lodged – argued it will have a negative impact on surrounding roads, which they said are already congested.

It has also been said that local amenities, including doctors, dentists, and schools, would be unable to cope with the extra residents, and there are no new jobs in the area for people moving in to take up.

Around 30 of the homes, which will be built close to Carr Head Primary School, have been earmarked for affordable housing.

The government’s planning inspector, Mr M Seaton, said he had ‘carefully considered’ the various submissions, but said he was satisfied the development would not severely impact road safety, cause excessive noise and disturbance or light pollution, and said Redrow will give money towards the demand for 38 primary and 15 secondary school places the development is expected to create, as well as a public transport and bus subsidy.

Mr Seaton said: “For the reasons given above, and having regard to all other matters raised, the appeal should be allowed subject to the conditions listed.”

The application said 200 parking spaces will be created on the development.

It also shows where a play area could be built in the north west corner of the site and a pond created, for surface water drainage, in the SE corner.

The application states: “Open space area and play space forms a green network within the development.”

In a letter of objection lodged with the council following Redrow’s appeal, neighbour Charles Bowman said: “There were in excess of 120 objections to this proposal, with less than a handful in favour. The will of local residents must surely carry some weight in the decision-making process?”

A Redrow spokesman said: “While understanding local people are often nervous about change, Redrow develops responsibly and, in addition to providing much needed housing, the scheme will deliver a number of community benefits.

“These include improvements to the junction at Hardhorn Road and Garstang Road East, to existing bus stops, a bus subsidy to increase the frequency of buses near the site, an education contribution to provide additional school places, plus substantial new areas of open space and wildlife habitat.”