A PLAN for 275 homes in the Ribble Valley has been branded as a ‘bad idea’ by councillors.

Plans have been submitted to the borough council for the proposed development in Preston Road, Longridge.

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A local neighbourhood centre is also part of the application by Grimbaldeston Farm Trustees and S and N Forshaw, which would look to be a ‘focal point’ for the area.

Cllr Ken Hind, who represents the Dilworth ward, has said that too many similar plans have already been submitted in the area.

Cllr Hind said: “Longridge is deluged with housing applications.

“What is not happening is the infrastructure is not being built for the increase in housing.

“There is not the level or number of industrial developments to create more jobs.

“It’s a very bad idea, we’ve already got lots of housing plans being submitted in Longridge.

“There is a massive overdevelopment in Longridge and this is one more example of that.”

Associated landscaping and wildlife infrastructure would also be constructed as part of the proposals which would cover 18.84 hectares.

The development would include 172 market homes, 61 affordable homes and 42 single-storey dwellings for elderly people.

The application for the new site submitted by the applicants says that they aim to help encourage urban development and a community atmosphere.

A spokesman, in a report to the council, said: “The intention is to create a high quality and sustainable urban extension to the existing town whilst forming a clear demarcation between urban development and the open countryside.

“A focal point for the community, the neighbourhood centre will be located at the hub of the development. This space will be welcoming and attractive and act as a meeting space for the residents.”

A small courtyard is proposed at the entrance of the site, which will be set back from Preston Road by an area of planting.

New access points will also be created for the site from Preston Road alongside designated areas for nature such as tree planting.

Parking plans have been made and that it will be generally accommodated within the boundaries of the properties, and enclosures will be designed with pedestrians as a priority, the applicants have said.