400-home estate on Lancashire town fields moves a step closer

Developers are preparing a major planning application for land west of High Lane, covering around 28 hectares of agricultural land on the northern edge of the town.

The proposals, submitted at an early "scoping" stage, would see the site transformed into a new residential neighbourhood with housing, green space and infrastructure.

The proposed site boundaries (Image: WLBC)

What is being proposed

The scheme would include up to 400 homes of varying sizes and tenures, including affordable housing. It would also create a new access from the A59 High Lane, together with internal roads and walking and cycling links through the site.

Public open space and landscaped green areas would be laid out alongside sustainable drainage systems such as ponds and swales, supported by the necessary utilities and other infrastructure.

Developers say the site represents a "logical extension" to Ormskirk, sitting between existing homes and surrounding farmland.

The proposed site on High Lane, Ormskirk (Image: Google)

Environmental assessment required

Because of the scale of the scheme, a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be needed before any planning decision is made.

West Lancashire Borough Council has confirmed the project must undergo detailed environmental scrutiny, covering issues such as traffic and transport impacts, effects on agricultural land, ecology and biodiversity, and landscape and visual impact.

The assessment must also consider cumulative impacts alongside other major housing developments proposed nearby.

Concerns over farmland and wildlife

Planning documents show the site is currently arable farmland, with parts potentially classed as "best and most versatile" agricultural land.

Part of the historic mere is now the site of Martin Mere Wetland Centre, a wetland nature reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (Image: Google)

The development could lead to the permanent loss of more than 20 hectares of high-quality agricultural land, prompting calls for detailed assessment and mitigation.

There are also ecological concerns due to the site’s proximity to Martin Mere, an internationally important nature reserve designated as an SPA, Ramsar site and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Experts say surveys must assess potential impacts on habitats and bird species, including land used by protected wildlife.

Traffic and infrastructure

Highways officers say the principle of development is acceptable in transport terms, but a full transport assessment and travel plan will be required.

This will need to demonstrate safe access to the site and assess the impact on surrounding roads and public rights of way.

Utility provider United Utilities has also warned developers must take a "holistic approach" to drainage, with a strong emphasis on sustainable surface water management and minimising pressure on sewers.

Local drainage engineers have said features such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), including basins and permeable paving, will be expected to manage runoff.

What happens next

The current submission is for a scoping opinion, which sets out what environmental information must be included in a future planning application. A full planning application has not yet been submitted.

If brought forward, the proposal would be one of several large housing schemes in and around Ormskirk, with planners required to assess its combined impact alongside other developments across the area.

Residents will be able to comment when a formal planning application is lodged.