Objections to estate plan in Aughton
300 homes are being proposed for farmland
Dozens of objections have been lodged, to plans to build 300 homes, on farmland in West Lancashire.
Persimmon Homes submitted an application last month, for a major development off Prescot Road in Aughton. Half of the dwellings proposed for the plot would be offered in the discounted ‘affordable homes’ category.
In documents, submitted to West Lancashire Borough Council, the developer said the site “forms a logical and sustainable extension to the existing urban edge of the village, directly adjoining established residential areas”.
It added that, while the scheme would introduce “a moderate change to the landscape character at the site level, its effects on the wider landscape are localised and limited”.
However, locals seem unconvinced, with around 50 of them so far having objected to the blueprint.
Comments, published on the local authority website, criticise the loss of open space, which would result from the estate.
One refers to the threat to “dear local fields”, while another states: “Sadly, it feels like greed and short-term profit are winning once again. If this development goes ahead, we’ll lose another piece of what makes Aughton unique.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.”
A separate objector said the proposal would “urbanise an important open area on the edge of Ormskirk, fundamentally altering the character of the surrounding landscape and reducing the separation between built-up areas and the countryside”.
Concerns have also been raised, over the ability of local services, to cope with the planned influx of residents.
“The infrastructure is already under pressure and would not be able to support a development of this capacity,” one commenter claims.
Persimmon Homes said, as part of its application, that its landscape strategy for the site “comprehensively mitigates impacts through retention, enhancement and substantial areas of new planting”.
It continued: “The design responds to local character, integrates green infrastructure, and respects visual sensitivities.”
Under the plans, 8.93 hectares of the site would be occupied by the new properties, while 2.37 hectares would be reserved for “formal open spaces areas” and a further 2.21 hectares of “undeveloped green infrastructure”
“The scale and form of development reflect nearby recent housing schemes, including the heritage sensitive landscape along Prescot Road and around Moor Hall,” the firm says.
“The proposals fully comply with local planning policy, by delivering a sustainable, well-integrated residential development, with an appropriate housing mix and a strong emphasis on quality of place.”
The developer is proposing a mix of detached, semi-detached and terrace homes, ranging from two to four bedrooms.