Inspectorate rejects homes plan appeals
APPEALS to build 400 houses in Aughton have been dismissed, following a public inquiry.
The inquiry came after West Lancashire Borough Council refused planning permission for two proposals to build 400 houses on land off Parrs Lane and an adjacent site off Prescot Road.
The applications were submitted by developers Redrow Homes and Wainhomes, which disagreed with the council’s decision.
Both applications were reviewed in a public inquiry after appeals were lodged in the High Court.
The appeals were registered as a result of the publication of the West Lancashire Borough Council Local Plan, which identified both sites for potential housing development. Following the inquiry, The Planning Inspectorate issued decision notices on March 22, 2018, dismissing the appeals.
The report, published by inspector Kevin Ward, acknowledges that the land in question was protected until 2027 under the Local Plan.
It states: “The land is safeguarded from development until 2027 for needs beyond 2027 (the end of the plan period).
“Plan B allows for the release of land for development during the plan period and without a review of the Local Plan but only should it be required.
“If Plan B is not required, Policy GN2 makes it clear that the land should continue to be safeguarded from development until 2027 for development needs beyond 2027.”
It adds: “None of the triggers for Plan B have been activated. Policy RS6 is unambiguous that Plan B sites will only be considered for release for housing development if one of the triggers is met.
“As noted above, Policy GN2 makes it clear that the land should continue to be safeguarded from development until 2027 for development needs beyond 2027 if Plan B is not required.”
The report acknowledges that the appeal site would provide a “suitable location for housing development at the point in time when it is required” but adds that that point has “not been reached.”
In both of the appeal reports, Mr Ward concludes: “Taking all relevant factors into account and in the context of the specific policies that apply and my findings in relation to housing land supply, these material considerations do not provide a justification for granting planning permission.
“I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed.”