A COUNCILLOR is urging residents to make their views known about a controversial proposal for more than 100 new homes in the borough.

Mark Clifford, who chairs Clayton-le-Woods Parish Council, last month criticised a developer for launching a public consultation into plans for an estate off Nell Lane at the height of the coronavirus crisis.

An application for the 115-dwelling development has now been formally submitted for consideration by Chorley Council.

The scheme was originally proposed by Redrow last year, with permission granted only on the basis that access for vehicles was provided via a neighbouring, recently-completed estate on Parkhurst Avenue.

Locals had objected to initial plans for an entrance being created via the rural Nell Lane, which would have required the removal of 100 metres of hedgerow.

Control of the site has since passed to a company called Monaco Nell Lane Ltd – which has revived the original access proposals.

Cllr Clifford said that lockdown restrictions meant residents were unable to mobilise against the plans for a second time – and so is now calling on them to turn to the power of the printed word.

“The proposed application would result in the loss of natural habitat for wildlife, biodiversity and rural character. Local residents know that any vehicle access to the proposed site off Nell Lane would also have massive impacts to road safety on Shady Lane, which has not been addressed in this proposal at all.

“If they feel as strongly as I do about protecting our environment, I would ask residents to take part in the planning consultation on Chorley Council’s website and, if objecting, make sure they clearly state their reasons why,” Cllr Clifford said.

But a statement submitted to Chorley Council by planning agent Lichfields, on behalf of the applicant, claims that commitments by the developer to improving the local road network will benefit those already living in the area.

These include traffic-calming measures and speed limit signs on Nell Lane, along with extensions to footways and road markings to highlight them.   “Minor realignment” of the junction of Shady Lane and Nell Lane is also proposed to improve visibility.