Plans to construct a housing estate on the site of a former quarry in Chorley have finally been given the green light, over a decade after they were initially proposed. The redevelopment of the JF Electrical Little Quarry in Whittle-le-Woods was approved in principle by Chorley Council back in 2013, with the council granting outline permission for up to 85 new homes and an access point from Hill Top Lane.

However, it has taken more than 11 years for the full details of the scheme to be presented, during which time soils have had to be imported to the site to ensure its stability for the planned housing. A rock outcrop has also been cut back for the same reason.

At a recent meeting of Chorley Council’s planning committee, members were asked to decide on the aesthetics of the estate, with a reminder not to revisit the arguments for or against its construction. Whittle-le-Woods parish councillor Peter Higham expressed concerns about the fate of a group of trees – protected by a preservation order – that currently stand between Hill Top Lane and the service road that will run through the development.

He stated that the parish authority wanted to ensure a “clear and robust condition” was placed on any permission to guarantee the trees “remain untouched”.

Paul Sedgwick, the application’s agent, revealed that such a stipulation was part of an extensive list of conditions drawn up by borough council planning officers. Cllr Dedrah Moss, representing Buckshaw and Whittle, urged Lancashire County Council highways officials to reconsider the proposed site access, noting that traffic conditions had changed significantly in the 11 years since outline permission was granted, reports Lancs Live.

“There is a lot more traffic on Chorley Old Road now, due to other developments that have taken place,” said Cllr Moss. A report presented to the committee highlighted that County Hall had assessed the latest plans, but as the issue of access was approved in 2013, the authority’s main concern this time was the layout of the internal estate road.

Committee member Russ Green, another Buckshaw and Whittle ward councillor, expressed shared concerns over traffic, but conceded that “that boat had sailed now” and the decision could only be based on “aesthetics”. The plans, submitted by Ruttle Plant Holdings Limited, were unanimously approved.

Thirty percent of the properties will fall into the affordable housing category, with a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership options available.

Don’t miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters – sign up here for free