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Dismay at fresh garden grab bids
More gardens in Chorley are being targeted by developers.
Over the past two years, Wainhomes Developments has submitted 36 planning applications to build estates, usually on gardens, across the borough, although this includes repeat applications for the same site.
Now it's believed they have submitted plans for two more developments in Whittle-le-Woods and Clayton-le-Woods sparking an angry response from residents and local leaders.
In Whittle-le-Woods the developers have applied for permission to demolish a property on Chorley Old Road and replace it with 14 large homes.
County Coun Mark Perks said: "Clearly 14 extra houses in an area that has already has some considerable highway issues such as double parking, access and volume of traffic has been greeted with dismay and alarm by residents in this very close knit community.
"Chorley Old Road was just not designed or built for the pressures further homes would bring to it."
In Clayton-le-Woods the developers have submitted plans for four detached houses at Martindale, off Sheep Hill Lane.
Neighbour Sharon Close is furious and said: "The application is in the name of Ian Fowler but we think it's on behalf of Wainhomes.
"It just seems that Wainhomes are targeting Clayton-le-Woods. Sheep Hill Lane already has a problem with traffic."
So-called 'garden-grabbing' development is possible because private gardens are identified as brownfield not greenfield sites - making them ripe for building.
In recent years, Chorley Council has rejected seven applications by Wainhomes to demolish homes and replace them with small estates.
However, at least one of the decisions were overturned on appeal opening the door for even more applications.
Since 2007, the firm has submitted 42 applications relating to 12 sites - 36 applications for dwellings, three for advertisement consent and three for discharge of conditions.
Seven applications were withdrawn by the applicant and seven were refused. Four plans went to appeal.
Patricia Ashcroft, whose Whittle-le-Woods home overlooks one of the sites, said: "To list the upset, disruption, noise, pollution and lack of safety this development has caused us would take me several hours."
Wainhomes has a policy of not commenting on on-going planning applications.
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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