Housing Planned for Farmland
A large farmland area in Penwortham could be the possible site for a new urban village for approximately three thousand new homes.
The land which is known as Pickering’s Farm is located on the outskirts of Preston and is currently awaiting permission from planning chiefs for the scheme to be approved. The development will include not only new houses but also community facilities and businesses along with a possibly of shops and a school.
The land spanning across Penwortham and Lostock Hall covers approximately ninety one hectares and is not the only site that has been suggested for the planned housing. It is to be included within a list of other sites around central Lancashire which are suitable for this type of development. It is believed that the planning applications are being prepared and could be submitted by 2011 and if successful, building could start around 2014 with an anticipated completion around 2021.
Should the plans be approved, the current businesses and existing homes within the Pickering Farm area should be untouched. The development will be concentrated on Leyland Road, Chain House Lane, Bee Lane, Penwortham Way as well as the railway line which runs a service from Manchester to Blackpool.
Part of the site is controlled by landowners and The Homes and Communities Agency controls the rest. Residents of Bee Lane and Leyland Road have commented that the area is a busy one and that even though it is popular, especially for horse riders and dog walking, they still have some problems with youngsters causing trouble.
Homes and Communities Agency (HCA)
This public body creates opportunities and funding for people to be able to live in sustainable and affordable housing around England as well as being responsible for regeneration. Formed in December 2008 the HCA has an annual budget for investments of over five billion pounds.
