Outline planning permission has been granted for the development of nine new homes at a 2.5-acre greenbelt site in Longton, Lancashire.
Lancashire planning consultancy De Pol Associates, acting on behalf of a private landowner, has maximised the potential of the land by increasing the number of properties allowed on the site at Chapel Lane, following the decision by South Ribble Council.
Situated on land previously used as a riding school, De Pol demonstrated the development was an acceptable use for the site. It currently houses an arena, stables, offices and 40-space car park, all which are to be demolished, and the team was able to show the volume of the nine new homes would not exceed that of the existing buildings.
Experts in rural development and diversification, De Pol was also able to increase the commercial viability of the land by securing permission for nine homes where six had previously been granted. The site, just off the main A59, is now set to be marketed to housebuilders with outline planning now in place.
Chris Betteridge from De Pol said: “We were asked to review the existing permission and were confident we could improve the viability with a larger scheme. Our proposal sought to bring back into use a previously developed piece of land with new family homes, which this does without undermining the greenbelt further.
“The homes are situated in the southern part of the site, closer to the neighbouring residential properties, returning the northern side to greenfield use and thereby actually increasing the openness of the greenbelt in this location.”
The site, which has not operated as a riding school for a number of years, is to be marketed by Georgina Cox from Moving Works in Longton. She said: “I originally recommend De Pol, having identified a potential for additional houses on the site, and it’s great this planning permission has now been achieved.
“This is a fantastic location for a development of new family homes. Chapel Lane is an aspirational address with a delightful rural aspect, but is close enough to the shops, schools and other amenities, as well as the all-important transport links, that buyers require. The site provides an excellent opportunity for housebuilders of any size to establish a really lovely, high quality development.”
