Garstang homes approved despite MP opposition

Opposition from a local MP has failed to stop Preston Council giving developer Wainhomes the go-ahead to build almost 280 houses across two sites at Garstang Lane.

Wainhomes put forward a reserved matters application for 129 homes at Keyfold Farm on Garstang Lane, and an outline application for 151 homes at Cardwell Farm, also on Garstang Lane. Both were recommended for approval.

MCK Associates was the architect, with Emery Planning as the planner for both sites.

At Keyfold Farm, Wainhomes’ reserved matters application is for 129 homes on Garstang Lane and was approved unanimously. The 17-acre site is bounded by the Marriott Hotel and two houses to the south and Garstang Road to the west.

Wainhomes had previously gained outline planning at an appeal in April 2018 for the two, three, four, and five-bedroom houses. They are set to be two-storeys and a mix of detached, semi-detached and mews style.

Of the 129, 46 homes are set to be affordable, which amounts to 35% of the overall provision.

At the same committee, Wainhomes’ outline application for 151 homes and a community building at the 23-acre plot of land at Cardwell Farm was approved subject to Section 106 agreements for on-site affordable housing, education provision, management of public open space and community building. The council also requested a financial contribution for sustainable transport provision and bus route infrastructure.

The scheme covers six fields which adjoins Cardwell’s Farm in Barton. There would be 53 affordable homes which equates to a 35% provision.

Before the Preston planning committee met to discuss the scheme, 47 objections were received regarding “the lack of local amenities to accommodate an additional 151 dwellings and the impact of highway safety including increased congestion and addition of a new junction on the A6.”

Ben Wallace MP objected to the application due to the “detrimental impact on the rural character of the village”. Barton Parish Council objected due to multiple factors but stated that the scheme was in an “unsustainable location with low accessibility to jobs, shops, and services” along with “insufficient highway capacity on the A6.”

Five letters of support were also received which commended the “improved access over the scheme, the provision of a community centre, and the boost to the housing supply.”