Council's position on proposed development vindicated on appeal

South Ribble Borough Council is pleased its decision to refuse outline planning permission for a major housing development at Whitestake has been upheld on appeal for a second time.

A proposal by Wainhomes (North West) Ltd to build more than 100 houses on safeguarded land off Chain House Lane was initially rejected in June 2019.

That decision was later backed by the Planning Inspectorate in December 2019 only for the ruling to be subsequently overturned at the High Court - prompting the appointment of a second planning inspector by the Secretary of State.

However, the Planning Inspectorate has again reached the same conclusion and endorsed the Council's original verdict.

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said: "We have said all along that this isn't an appropriate development and we are pleased to have now been vindicated on more than one occasion.

"Our position has been clear and consistent; as a Council we are pro-development but only when it is done in the right way and is of benefit to our residents and the wider South Ribble community.

"Once again it has been demonstrated that this particular proposal is entirely unsuitable for our borough.

"We are satisfied that this matter is now closed and, on behalf of the Council, I would like to congratulate those residents who shared our concerns and campaigned against this development."

The Planning Inspectorate also dismissed an application by Wainhomes (North West) Ltd for a partial award of costs against the Council.