Work due to start on controversial 188 housing development in Whalley

The scheme on Clitheroe Road, in Whalley, was approved by the Ribble Valley Council’s Planning department last year despite objections from villagers.

Now, local councillors fear the housing development will lead to major traffic and flooding issues, plus the immense pressure on local schools and doctors surgeries, which are already struggling to cope.

Leading national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships and North West housing association Trafford Housing Trust have joined forces to create a strategic joint venture. Delivering exceptional social value and a range of affordable housing is a key part of the joint venture with an impressive 30% of homes at the 25-acre Whalley development set to be either shared ownership or affordable rent properties. The site has planning for 188 homes.

Lee Sale, regional managing director at Lovell Partnerships, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Trafford Housing Trust to bring a unique joint venture to the North West. THT is a really forward-thinking housing provider so we’re very much looking forward to working with them. The portion of affordable housing is significant at the Whalley development, but we are particularly excited about the fantastic social value projects in the pipeline. By engaging with schools and colleges, supporting apprentices and trainees, and getting involved with local community projects, we have the opportunity to make a real difference.”

Graeme Scott, Executive Director - Development at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Lovell Partnerships, not only to develop the site in Whalley but also because this JV has the potential to deliver more schemes in the future."

Whalley and Painter Wood Coun. Ged Mirfin, has voiced his concerns. He said: "This homes plan is hardly going to change life for villagers for the better, if anything it’s going to make things an awful lot worse causing noise and disruption for those living on the edge of the development for months to come.

"The main issues concerning people are traffic, flooding, the mix of housing on the site and pressures on infrastructure. The very last thing the village needs is an additional 400-plus traffic movements per day onto our already gridlocked pothole filled roads which will now deteriorate even more rapidly. Although I am delighted that local shops and hostelries will benefit an increase in footfall, this development will place additional demand for school places and on the doctors' surgery.

"This development was passed before I became a councillor for Whalley and it will be with us in perpetuity. Councillors find themselves in a difficult position. Residents can be assured that both myself and my fellow councillor Mark Hindle will continue to articulate residents concerns in a voluble manner as the development progresses."