The initial plans for a highly controversial new village have been submitted to a council.
Earlier this year, developer Story Homes launched a consultation into their proposal to build a new community on green belt land near Samlesbury in South Ribble.
As a result, hundreds of local residents voiced extreme concern over the impact the village would have on local facilities and wildlife – even holding a local referendum in which 98 per cent of voters against the plans.
While the result has no direct bearing on whether or not permission will be granted for the development, Jasmine Gleave, chair of the recently-formed Save Samlesbury Action Group, said worried locals “can only hope” the housebuilder gets the ballot box's message.
She added: "They said they would consult with us – so here you go. You’d like to think Story Homes would respect the strength of feeling that has been shown.”
However developers are continuing undeterred with their proposals, having now taken the first official steps to get the ball rolling with the plan.
Cuerdale Garden Village would see 1,300 news homes built in its first stage alongside business spaces, a community centre and a primary school.
John Winstanley, Managing Director (Strategic Land) at Story Homes, said: “Story Homes is proud to bring forward plans for Cuerdale Garden Village, which have been thoroughly designed with place-making at the core, demonstrating our commitment to delivering an exemplar Garden Village.
“The plans have been sensitively designed with the feedback received during the pre-application consultation to deliver a high-quality, sustainable development fit for modern day living.
“We understand there have been some concerns to the proposals within Samlesbury Parish, however we are confident that the plans will unlock significant benefits for all residents in South Ribble and beyond.
"Cuerdale Garden Village will bring forward a range of quality homes in a carefully designed, sustainable new community whilst unlocking significant business investment within the Borough.
“We will continue to engage with the Council and the wider community on the plans as they progress.”
South Ribble Borough Council formally received details of the initial application this week and it will now be determined in line with the usual process.
Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “We know an application of this size will generate a lot of interest locally, so we have asked the developer to ensure that it offers plenty of opportunities for residents and businesses to learn more about what is planned and to provide feedback.
“The principle of a Garden Village is one that provides a ‘whole’ development with all the infrastructure that is required and so there will be a lot of information to consider.
“The first step will be for our officers to scrutinise this initial application in detail before it is considered by our Planning Committee at a later date.”
"As always, our goal is to ensure that any development is right for the borough, our residents and the community and we will carefully consider the proposals put forward. If any of our residents have a question for us about the application, please email cuerdale@southribble.gov.uk.”
The proposed 172-hectare development would be between the A59 and M6 to the east of the motorway.
