Pickering’s Farm homes plan will return

The developer behind plans to build 1,100 homes in South Ribble is reviewing the project and working to submit a new application after withdrawing the original proposals.

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey and government agency Homes England have formally withdrawn their related planning applications for land at Pickering’s Farm, near Penwortham.

The proposed development, which has been named ‘The Lanes’, has attracted strong opposition locally. South Ribble Council has confirmed that the original applications have been taken off the table.

However, a statement on Taylor Wimpey’s website says: “Taylor Wimpey and Homes England are reviewing the proposals for this important site, having regard to ensuring a sustainable form of development and the most appropriate approach.

“We will be preparing and submitting a new application in due course.”

The applications were submitted to the council in January 2020, alongside a masterplan for the development of the 244-acre site between Penwortham and Lostock Hall. The site is earmarked for up to 2,000 new homes.

The masterplan was rejected by South Ribble’s planning committee in September 2020 over several “significant concerns” raised during consultation.

The proposals included the construction of 1,100 houses and a new local centre, as well as the creation of a link road between the A582 (Penwortham Way) and the B5254 (Leyland Road).

Council leader Cllr Paul Foster said: “We welcome the decision to withdraw these applications, especially in light of the serious concerns raised by the planning committee last September.

“This administration is pro development, but only where it appropriate for our local communities and our environment.

“For many years now, we have challenged whether this proposal is suitable, and it has been clear that our reservations have been shared by many local residents.

“We would like to congratulate and thank those members of the local community who have campaigned tirelessly over the last three years to protect their local green space.”

Taylor Wimpey says its proposed development will “support the creation of a strong, vibrant and healthy community” and deliver a range of new homes to meet the area’s needs.