A NEW primary school could be built in Longridge if a plan for 520 homes is approved at the same time.

Barratt Homes has outlined its proposal for the Higgins Brook site off Chipping Lane which it resubmitted to Ribble Valley Council in August.

The housing developer said that the school would provide 210 extra places for the town as well as providing up to 18 new jobs.

It has also been announced that a former member of the Department of Education is exploring whether it should be classed as a free school which would be independent of Lancashire County Council.

The new school forms part of the resubmitted application which was originally rejected by Ribble Valley councillors earlier this year.

The proposal also includes replacing the town’s cricket club and constructing houses reserved as affordable housing and accommodation for the elderly.

Andrew Brown, senior land manager at Barratt Homes, said: “Barratt is aware of the need for new housing in the Ribble Valley, as well as the need for new homes to be delivered in a sensible and sustainable manner.

“An integral part of our proposals for Higgins Brook is a commitment to deliver a new primary school that will directly assist the local education authority in meeting the future demand for school places in the town.

“No other development proposal in the town is able to deliver this significant benefit for the local community.

“The application at Higgins Brook is the only proposal to offer a direct solution to the issue of future education provision in Longridge.

“It represents an opportunity for the local community to be involved in how education is provided for future generations.”

However, housing campaigners have branded the announcement as nothing more than a sweetener designed to persuade council decision-makers to vote in favour of the plan at a future meeting.

Tedd Walmsley, a member of Save Longridge Action Group, said: “It’s clear in the town that everyone is against this plan.”

For more information on the proposed school or to express a view on whether it should be a free school, call Barratt Homes on 0844 5563002.