A COUNCILLOR has hit out at ‘predatory’ housing developments which are affecting the Ribble Valley.

Allan Knox, who represents the Primrose ward in Clitheroe, is concerned about the joint plan by Laurus Homes and Trafford Housing Trust to develop 184 homes on Whalley Road - over half of them for affordable rent and shared ownership.

The new homes will range from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses, designed to tackle the growing housing shortage in the region.

However Cllr Knox said: “We do need affordable homes but there has been a large increase in the number of developments in the town.

“I am outraged about predatory builders coming to the area as 50 per cent of the housing is affordable but the other half will be sold for much more than other places as it is in the Ribble Valley.

“It is just the continual expansion of our towns and there will be no demarcation between the towns and they will all merge into one.

“The size of the town is going to increase and it will affect infrastructure and roads.”

As a profit-for-purpose builder, Laurus Homes says it will invest profits from the new homes into community projects, including tackling poverty, homelessness, and debt.

Graeme Scott, development director at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “The North West is experiencing a dreadful housing shortage, with many families, who are working, struggling to make ends meet.

"We believe that everyone deserves an affordable, warm and safe roof above their head.

"We focus on building award-winning homes that make the most of the natural environment, whether these are brand new developments or regeneration projects," Mr Scott added.

"As a profit-for-purpose developer, we use our profits to reinvest in our local areas, so we make a real difference to our customers and wider community.”