A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build up to 150 homes on land to the south of Parrs Lane, Aughton looks set to go ahead, despite originally being refused planning permission by West Lancs Council. The decision by the Planning Inspectorate to grant an appeal by developers Wainhomes has been blasted by local campaigners who fear it could have “distastrous” results for the rural nature of the area. Proposals by Redrow Homes to build up to 250 properties on land to the North-West of Parrs Lane were also rejected by the council in June last year. That decision has also been appealed and local community leaders are concerned that, following the Wainhomes ruling, it too could be granted. Colin Atkinson, chairman of Aughton Residents Group (2012), set up four years ago to protect the area from development, said: “Allowing Wainhomes’ appeal is disastrous for Aughton. It has trashed the Local Plan which was drawn up after various stages of a democratic process. This decision will totally alter the characteristics of the area, turning it from a rural area into a large housing estate with the many accompanying problems. “The Planning Inspector has blatantly ignored the wishes of the local community, together with those of West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper, Aughton Parish Council and the ward councillors who also indicated their opposition to these appeals. “Many Aughton residents are disappointed and very angry with the current situation and it’s still our intention to have further input to the planning applications.” Meanwhile, the Planning Inspector has also come under fire from both sides of the West Lancs political divide. Conservative group leader, Councillor David Westley, said: “The Conservative group is bitterly disappointed with the Planning Inspector’s decision. I have written formally to the council’s chief executive calling for a report on the appeal decision, which must explain the implications for the Local Plan, provide a detailed analysis of the failure to maintain a five-year housing land supply and make recommendations on how to ensure effective future monitoring.” And the council’s planning portfolio holder, Councillor John Hodson added: “The Labour group share the absolute and utter disappointment of the residents following the decision to allow the appeal, as the loophole in the government’s national planning policy framework allows them to do.”
Planning permission has been granted for Wainhomes to build up to 150 homes near Parrs Lane , Aughton , with access to Prescot Road . A controversial move forward , local campaigners fear that this permission may soon be extended , allowing Redrow Homes to build up to 250 new homes to the north - west of Parrs Lane . The chairman of Aughton Development Group said , “ This decision will totally alter the characteristics of the area , turning it from a rural area into a large housing estate with its many accompanying amenities . ”