A DECISION to approve the biggest planning application in the history of the Ribble Valley has become the subject of a legal challenge.

Ribble Valley Borough Council has expressed its ‘disappointment’ at the challenge to its decision, in December, to grant planning permission for 1,040 houses at Standen, Clitheroe, to applicants Standen Estate.

The council has vowed to ‘vigorously defend its position’ against any judicial review of the decision which has been brought by another housing company, Kendal-based New-close Properties Ltd.

The plan for Higher Standen Farm and Littlemoor Farm, in Clitheroe, also includes shops and a primary school.

The proposal was submitted to the borough council in October 2012 by the trustees of the Standen Estate, and includes 728 market homes, and 312 affordable homes.

There will also be space for two children’s play areas, and pedestrian and cycle routes.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stuart Hirst said: “We are very disappointed to have received notification of Newclose Properties’ intention to seek a judicial review of our decision to grant planning permission for the development at Standen, Clitheroe.

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“The council will vigorously defend its position and strive to have the judicial review rejected in the initial stages.”

Coun Terry Hill, chairman of the borough council’s planning and development committee, said: “We are shocked and disappointed by this.

“We believe that we did everything right.

“We will see what happens during the legal process.

“It’s an ideal strategic site that was approved by committee after due consideration.”