PLANS to build a multi-million pound housing estate on the former Baxi site in Bamber Bridge look set to be the last major housing development in South Ribble.

The 14-acre-site in Brownedge Road, which is expected to be developed soon, narrowly missed being hit by the authority's new policy, aimed at stopping the sprawl of residential properties in the borough.

Under the terms of the Draft Interim Housing Policy, developers will not be allowed to build on large sites unless they satisfy certain criteria. But plans for developments of more than 12 properties are unlikely to be rubber stamped.

The move could spell the end for housing on the former Leyland test-track site, off Longmeanygate, where developers had submitted a plan for 700-850 homes. However, it does not affect the current construction of hundreds of homes on the former L&B rubber works site, Golden Hill Lane, Leyland, which were passed before the policy came into effect on Wednesday, April 9.

Councillor David Pownall, chairman of the council's planning committee, said: "This is a move to discourage the development of factories into residential property. If this trend continues then we may have to start building factories on green-field sites.

"Also factories could just sell up to developers and houses will continue to spring up."

Local plan manager at the council, Joanne MacHolc, said: "This policy includes flexibility for small sites and exceptional circumstances. It does not mean a total embargo."