A PLAN to construct more than 500 homes in Longridge has been reduced by 30 per cent following successful campaigning from residents.

Housing developer Barrett Homes submitted an application in September to erect up to 520 homes at Higgins Brook in Chipping Lane in the north of the town.

MORE TOP STORIES:

However, following a series of public meetings, the company has revised the total down to 363 homes after concerns were raised by local councillors and the Save Longridge Action Group.

Since December, Community Liaison Forums have been held with Ribble Valley Borough councillors, Longridge Town Council, the action group, businesses and residents to gauge public opinion on the proposals. development.

Action group member Tedd Walmsley said: “This is a step in the right direction but there are still question marks over the type of houses and their location.

“Longridge is being fought over by the housing companies and it seems that Barratt Homes thinks that it will be more likely to gain approval for this number of houses.

“It’s good that more than 100 homes will be classed as affordable but it’s rare that these things stay the same and will actually happen if approval is given.”

Andrew Brown, senior land manager at Barratt Homes, said: “We have listened the community and have decided to reduce the number of homes at the Chipping Lane site by 30 per cent.

“We will also move the development further away from neighbouring residential areas in response to concerns that the new homes would potentially be too close to properties in Redwood Drive and Crumpax Avenue.

“However, unlike other schemes, we want to deliver more than just new homes and our willingness to invest in providing significant community benefits for the people of Longridge has not faltered.

“As a result, We remain committed to providing a site for a new primary school at the heart of the development which will assist schools in accommodating the future demand forprimary school places that will increase as a result of planned future housing growth.

“Barratt Homes will also provide a new £2 million modern playing facility for Longridge Cricket Club in the north-east of the site.

“This will not only create a lasting sporting legacy for the town, but it will also assist this flagship Club in continuing to operate at a high standard in the future.”

The revised scheme now includes plans for up to 363 new homes of which 108 will be affordable and 54 will be earmarked for the elderly.

The planning application that was submitted to the council will now be amended to reflect these changes and it is expected that the revised plans will be voted on in the summer.