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'Danger' Chorley school to be demolished
Long-running plans to demolish a former primary school in Chorley to make way for housing have been approved.
Outline-planning permission was granted to demolish the former St James's Primary School building in Devonport Way to make way for nine homes in 2008.
However, nothing has happened since and residents have repeatedly raised safety concerns about the derelict site.
Now, contractor JB Loughlin has been granted permission to finally start building on the 130-year-old site.
Neighbour Peter Speakman, the retired chairman of the Devonport United Group, said: "Anything will be better than what we've got now.
"It's a shame to see such a historic building go but that's what they call progress.
"The site is a total eyesore, so at least this development will help tidy it up. I just hope the developers make improvements to road safety, which is already a real issue in the area."
Residents have previously complained about slates and stone slabs falling from the roof just a yards from where children walk to St James' CE Primary, which is next door to the site.
Coun Terry Brown, who represents the area, said: "It is good news that the development is finally moving on but now we have to make sure that it is done properly.
"There have been some objections to the site and it's important that they aren't ignored.
"The main issue is the road. It is very busy, especially when the school is letting out and we want to see the road improved as part of the plans.
"Time will tell but when it is finished the site should be an improvement for the neighbourhood."
Nine letters of objection were submitted raising concerns about the site blocking views of Healey Nab and light to existing homes.
The scheme includes plans to improve road safety in the area by creating a new access road on the narrow street.
The plans were approved at the council's development control committee meeting last Tuesday. The contractor was not available for comment ahead of publication.
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
