97-home residential development at Woodlands Conference Centre, Chorley

“This application seeks outline planning permission with all matters reserved, other than means of access, for a residential development of up to 97 dwellings including new access points, open space, landscaping and other associated works.”

“It is proposed that vehicular access is taken from Southport Road to the west of the site, with the existing access point along Southport Road being upgraded to standard residential access geometry forming the primary vehicular access to the site. Pedestrian access points would be located along Southport Road.”

“The application site comprises the former Woodlands Conference Centre, located on Southport Road, within the core settlement area of Chorley. It extends to approximately 4.2 ha and was previously formed of large areas of surface car parking and several buildings forming the Woodlands conference centre and former Lancashire college site interspersed with landscaping areas. As such the site is previously developed land.”

“There are varying land uses around the site. Chorley Cemetery lies to the east and south, Parklands High School and its playing fields to the north across Southport Road, Chorley West Business Park to the west, and some housing developments both to the north and the south. The River Chor forms the westernmost boundary of the site.”

“Ref: 24/00394/DEMCON Decision: PERDEM Decision Date: 26 July 2024 Description: Application for prior determination for the proposed demolition of buildings…”

“Letters of objection have been received from 2 individuals. These raise the following concerns:”

“Loss of wildlife habitat. • Highway capacity issues. • Lack of available amenities. • The housing will be unaffordable. • Highway safety – visibility may be difficult to achieve. • The 30-mph speed limit should be extended along the length of Southport Road…”

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Sarah Ainsworth, seconded by Councillor Chris Snow and subsequently resolved (unanimously) that outline planning permission be approved subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement to secure the following; - To secure 30% affordable housing on site. - Public Open Space contributions totalling £1,599 per dwelling with an additional £67,900 if for a ten-year period if private maintenance is not to be used.”