Masterplan approved for new homes and park extension

A MASTERPLAN outlining proposals to build more than 500 new homes and extend the award-winning Worden Park has been rubber stamped by South Ribble Borough Council.

The document will now play an important role in shaping future planning applications for the 30 hectares of land off Altcar Lane, in Leyland – with the first expected to be submitted as early as this spring.

Prepared by Redrow Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency, a draft of the Masterplan was subject to public consultation in October 2015.

Through that process, more than 1,800 residents and 100 stakeholders were contacted and asked for their views.

Following feedback, the final Masterplan was presented to the council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday (23 March), where it was officially endorsed by its members.

Welcoming the news, South Ribble Borough Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, Councillor Cliff Hughes said: “The Masterplan will prove pivotal to helping the council comprehensively manage future planning applications for this site, which will not only provide a good mix of quality homes, a proportion of which will be affordable, but also an extension to the fantastic Worden Park.

“It also represents a significant move forward with yet another one of our key sites included in the Lancashire, Preston and South Ribble City Deal, which is set to deliver a welcome boost to our local economy while providing top-class facilities and amenities for our community to enjoy not only now, but for future generations to come.”

The £240m City Deal is set to create up to 20,000 new jobs, new homes and transform transport links across the area – delivering 25 years of growth over the next decade.

Jim Carter, Chair of the City Deal, said: "One of the key aims of City Deal is to create homes for people to meet the future needs of the area. The City Deal will bring new jobs, so it's vital that we create the communities where people can live, as well as improving existing communities.

"The aim of the City Deal is to unlock the economic potential of the Preston and South Ribble area, creating new jobs and making it easier for residents and businesses to get around. It's an exciting time for the area and we're determined to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.