Plan for 57 apartments in Whalley raises fears of more anti-social behaviour

Robert Macdonald
·3-min read
Oakmere Homes plan for flats and homes on land south of Accrington Road, Whalley
-Credit: (Image: Oakmere Homes image sent to Ribble Valley Council)


A plan for 57 new apartments and 17 homes in Whalley has raised objections about over-development and anti-social behaviour.

Preston-based Oakmere Homes wants planning permission for the development on land south of Accrington Road, in Whalley and Ribble Valley Council's planning committee will consider the application this week. Thirty-seven letters of objection have been sent to the council, with worries including a rise in anti-social behaviour with the car park, according to a planning report. But some other locals say a new car park could help Whalley.

Whalley has been the focus of a debate about its busy bars, restaurants and late night disturbances but also flood defences. Oakmere Homes wants to build eight one-bedroom affordable flats or maisonettes and 49 market value properties with one, two or four bedrooms. Also proposed are 99 car parking spaces, electric charging points, cycle storage and other facilities.

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Oakmere Homes plan for flats and homes on land south of Accrington Road, Whalley
Oakmere Homes plan for flats and homes on land south of Accrington Road, Whalley -Credit:Oakmere Homes image sent to Ribble Valley Council

Whalley Parish Council has written to the borough council with a host of observations, according to a planning report. The parish council states: "Whilst we appreciate the development has been scaled-back in the number of homes and we would be grateful of a public car park to serve Whalley, many concerns around flooding, loss of green spaces, the effect on wildlife, excessive traffic and dangerous road crossings with inadequate footpaths on Accrington Road still remain."

The parish adds: "Flooding with water displacement issues and rising water from the ground in extreme weather are of paramount concern. Many homes and businesses have already suffered both structurally and financially with the lack of sufficient flood prevention, which has catastrophic affects on the centre of the village in bad weather.

"The loss of green spaces and the effect on biodiversity has had huge impact on Whalley, due to the number of new developments. Further increase in traffic on an already busy road will affect access to and from the village from Accrington Road."

The parish also believes existing infrastructure is insufficient because it has failed to keep pace with current developments, adding pressure on 'already stretched' GP surgeries and schools.

However, Lancashire County Council has no objections. It has commented on elements including proposed new bus stops, access and the size of internal roads. In some ways, the plan has less parking spaces that the county would aim for. However, the site is close to the centre of Whalley and highways staff say the plans are acceptable. A Section 106 planning agreement is recommended with the developer, for cash towards activity on a travel plan promoting sustainable travel.

The Environment Agency has reviewed the amended plan and flood risk issues, and has no objections. Ribble Valley Council planning officers are recommending councillors to defer a decision and delegate the Oakmere plan to officers for approval at a later stage.

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