Plans for 77 homes in Ribble Valley sparks objections
Objections include ‘drugs, anti-social behaviour and falling property values’
Plans for more than 70 affordable homes in a popular Ribble Valley village have sparked dozens of objections, including fears of ‘drugs and anti-social behaviour’ and a fall in local property values.
Council officers have recommended the scheme is rejected because of poor design, but the developer behind it says they have delivered successful housing schemes elsewhere in Lancashire – including the Ribble Valley.
Around 175 public objections have been raised against a plan by Pringle Homes (Langho) Ltd for 77 affordable homes on farmland east of Clitheroe Road, Whalley.
Objections sent to Ribble Valley Council include fears that ‘an influx of new homes could over-saturate the housing market, drive-down property values and impact residents’ financial stability’.
Other objectors want more old people’s homes or are worried about the impact on a local health clinic and schools. Some say the land is outside Whalley’s boundary and fear over-development, traffic and drainage problems, or noise disturbance on new households from nearby A59 traffic.
Some claim the land is not within easy walking distance of Whalley, proposed pedestrian crossings on Clitheroe Road would create an ‘urban’ feel, house designs are not in keeping with existing ‘period’ homes and the wider Ribble Valley has a five-year supply of land for new homes. Whalley Parish Council is among the objectors.
But applicant Sam Fleuriot, of Pringle Homes (Langho) says the company has worked successfully on other projects. He is working with Maybern Planning & Development in Ramsbottom on the Whalley plan.
Illustrations show how new streets might look and potential house styles. One to four-bedroom homes are planned with semi-detached, bungalow and mews designs.
The plan says new affordable housing would bring social, economic and environmental benefits. It says: “This would provide affordable local housing, which is an identified need throughout Whalley and the Ribble Valley borough. An experienced, registered housing provider is in discussions to deliver this quickly, to address the need.
“It would also provide usable open space for residents, deliver a high quality setting and support local facilities and services with a new population and spending. There would be no material harm to public views and no undue harm to existing residential amenity.”
Pringle Homes says it is involved with other market-priced and affordable home developments. It has delivered sites in the Ribble Valley, Preston and South Ribble, including Northcote Park at Langho, which includes affordable homes. It has also worked with Ribble Valley Council more recently, preparing an approved scheme for 37 affordable homes at Crow Trees Farm, Chatburn.
Regarding the Whalley plan, Lancashire NHS chiefs estimate the new homes would bring 184 extra residents. So the NHS recommends Pringle pays £59,000 towards extending Whalley Medical Centre, if the plan is approved.
United Utilities says more drainage details would be needed, if the plan is approved. Lancashire County Council has objected over a lack of surface water drains information but has not asked for any money towards schools.
Ribble Valley officers believe the plan should be refused by councillors. Officers say it would create ‘discordant’ development and is a poor design. Not enough consideration has been shown for old people’s housing, flood risks, the impact on existing trees and future open space. The plan also fails to demonstrate that residents in new affordable homes would not be at risk from unacceptable traffic noise from the A59 and Clitheroe Road, officers say.