Green Light for Development at Larches House as Council Planners Overturn Initial Rejection

Strategic Insights -

Preston City Council planning officers have approved a revised development plan for the gardens of Larches House, a 19th-century Grade II-listed building in Ashton-on-Ribble. Despite initial rejection by councillors in December 2023, the revised proposal for 17 houses and two apartments above a small retail unit has been deemed acceptable. The development will see the construction of 12 terrace properties, four semi-detached dwellings, and a retail unit, with 30% of the units offered as discounted "affordable homes" for rent or sale.

Key Takeaways:

  • The development plan was revised after councillors rejected an initial proposal for 24 homes and a shop in December 2023.
  • The revised plan includes 17 houses and two apartments above a small retail unit, with 30% of the units offered as discounted "affordable homes".
  • The development will preserve the setting of Larches House, a 19th-century Grade II-listed building.
  • Twenty-four new trees will be planted as part of the scheme.
  • 40 car parking spaces will be provided for the residential dwellings and four for the shop.
  • The development will leave a large area of green infrastructure intact, with the site's proximity to Ashton Park negating the need for compensation.
  • The developer, Sapphire Construction Solutions Ltd., plans to submit a new planning application for another 30-40 houses on the site.
  • Mick Patel, the developer, expressed concerns about the slow pace of the planning system and its potential impact on government housing targets.

Statistics:

  • 17 houses and 2 apartments will be constructed as part of the development.
  • 30% of the units will be offered as discounted "affordable homes".
  • 40 car parking spaces will be provided for the residential dwellings.
  • 41 trees will be affected, with 24 new ones planted.
  • Six public objections were raised to the plans.
  • None of the statutory consultees opposed the development.
  • The development will cover an area of around 7 acres.

Sources:

  • "Housing bid for garden of 19th-century Preston property thrown out by councillors" (https://www.lep.co.uk/news/politics/housing-bid-for-garden-of-19th-century-preston-property-thrown-out-by-councillors-4433532)
  • "Developer sees appeal in Preston's Ashton Park" (the full text of this article is not provided, but it is mentioned as a separate source)
  • Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS)
  • Preston City Council
  • Sapphire Construction Solutions Ltd.