RESIDENTS battling plans for 180 homes in a Chorley village fears that if the application is given the green-light it could affect the future of development in the borough.

Cheshire-based Gladman Developments has launched plans to build the homes on land between School Lane and Pear Tree Lane in Euxton.

Two years ago, the company was knocked back by the national Planning Inspectorate to build 165 on the same land and local residents are worried about the developer adding another 15 houses there.

Phil Preston, of nearby Orchard Drive, said: “I think it is disappointing that they have submitted the application yet the circumstances have not changed when the planning inspector refused it.

“The area of land is not in the Local Plan until 2026 for development and if it is approved then the plan is eroded and that means any developers will just want to build when they want.

“I would be worried about the whole of the borough if it is approved.

“I think at this stage, Euxton has done its obligation to meet the wider housing targets for Chorley.

“We are not saying that we don’t want more houses as we will have to but the house building has to be in line with the infrastructure for roads and schools and doctors.”

County Cllr Aidy Riggott for Euxton, Buckshaw and Astley, said: “I am really disappointed but not overly surprised that Gladman have chosen this time of year to submit their application when many residents will be away on holiday and could miss their opportunity to submit their concerns.

“To me, this just typifies Gladman’s approach and their total lack of consideration and willingness to engage with and listen to the residents of Euxton. I have personally submitted my objection to their proposals and encourage all concerned to do the same.”

Cllr Danny Gee, who represents the Euxton area said: “It is inappropriate building in the area and the infrastructure is not going to be right.

“Our primary schools have doubled in size and they are full and nothing is being done about that and then no high schools are being created in Chorley so people are having to go out of the area for that.

“Then there is the hospital issue as 180 homes means 350 more people coming to hospitals so I have every confidence in the planning committee that it will be refused again.”

The Chorley Citizen contacted Gladman Developments about the news and a spokesman said they would not be making any comment."