Developers pledge almost £1m. to benefit Clitheroe community

The funding, which totals £985,960 forms part of the planning agreement for the new development, Waddow Heights, located on Waddington Road, and will be used to support services and improve facilities for both new and existing residents in and around the town.

Among the investment is £867,00 for schools and early year education, over £76,960 for public open space and £42,000 will go towards providing sustainable transport.

The primary school part of the contribution will be used in primary schools within a two-mile radius of the development and the secondary school contribution will be used in secondary schools within a three-mile radius of the development.

Rob Holbrook, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North West, said: “Investing into local communities is an extremely important part of building a new housing development. We pride ourselves on our commitment to the local community and strive to support it wherever we can.

“As our development progresses, we will not only be contributing to the area financially, but the construction process will underpin 416 jobs for the local area.”

Under the scheme, £10,000 will be spent to secure a cycle storage facility at Clitheroe Railway Station; £370 per dwelling will be used to improve the play provision in the Clitheroe Castle Grounds through the installation of an outdoor gym facility and adventure play; £8,000 towards highway projects surrounding the development; £24,000 for travel plan support and 30% of units on site will be affordable housing.

The developer will also carry out a variety of off-site highway improvement works including works on Waddington Road, Kirkmoor Road and Whalley Road.

The news has been welcomed by Waddington Road resident Sue Hind, however, she fears the development will lead to an increase in traffic, noise pollution and speeding vehicles. She said: "Any investment is good news for a town, especially one where schools are oversubscribed. I think I am most concerned about speeding on Waddington Road.

"If money is being promised towards highways projects surrounding the development, then the developers should look at installing speed bumps, a speed indicator device or a roundabout forcing motorists to slow down and not exceed the speed limit."

The new development, named Waddow Heights will provide a collection of 208, three and four bedroom homes.