Renewed concern from local residents over controversial planning application

A controversial planning application for a major new housing development at Hammond Ground, Read, has now been formally submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council — triggering renewed concern from local residents over what campaigners have described as “the relentless overdevelopment of rural villages.”

The proposal seeks permission for approximately 77 new homes together with areas of public access land on open countryside north of Whalley Road in Read.

Campaigners say the development would permanently alter one of the village’s last remaining areas of open parkland and further accelerate the spread of suburban-style housing across the Ribble Valley.

The site forms part of the historic setting of Read Hall, the Grade II* listed country house whose landscape setting has shaped the character of the village for centuries.

Residents and the Save Hammond Ground community group argue the plans raise serious concerns over the loss of open countryside and green space, the increased coalescence and “urban creep” between local settlements, traffic congestion on already pressured local roads, strain on GP surgeries, schools and infrastructure, the impact on the setting of the historic Read Hall estate and concerns over the precedent for future expansion on adjoining land.

The group says residents are increasingly frustrated that villages across the Ribble Valley are being asked to absorb significant housing growth while infrastructure struggles to keep pace.

A spokesperson for Save Hammond Ground community group said “People are asking a very simple question — when is enough, enough? Villages like Read are being steadily transformed by large-scale housing schemes, while roads, schools and medical services are already under pressure.”

The group added: “Hammond Ground is not just another field earmarked for development. It forms part of the historic landscape surrounding Read Hall and contributes hugely to the identity and setting of the village. Once this countryside is built on, it is gone forever.”

They also raised concerns that the proposed public access land may only represent a temporary concession intended to establish a foothold for future applications on other parts of the parkland. Earlier applications from these same trustees talked of potential building up to 702 houses.

Residents are now being encouraged to examine the planning application carefully and submit evidence-based objections during the official consultation process.

“This is not a done deal,” the spokesperson said. “Planning decisions can still be influenced by strong, well-argued local responses. We would urge everyone who cares about the future character of the village to engage with the process.”