RESIDENTS have launched a campaign against a housebuilder trying to bring 180 homes in a Chorley village.

Gladman Developments has issued more than 600 information leaflets to homes and business in Euxton as part of a consultation to reveal plans for land between School Lane and Pear Tree Lane with up to 30 per cent affordable housing.

At their June meeting, Euxton Parish Council discussed the news of Gladman’s bid to bring houses to the area.

It comes after a Planning Inspector dismissed an appeal by the same developer in 2017 for165 homes on the same land.

Now, the parish council are writing to Gladman to ask what has changed with the scheme.

Chairman of Euxton Parish Council Katrina Reed said: “The Parish Council is keen to understand how far and wide across Euxton the developer has reached out in an attempt to contact residents, as some say they had not been contacted, despite hundreds of leaflets allegedly being sent out by the developer.”

Euxton county councillor Aidy Riggott, who is also a member of Euxton Parish Council and the residents’ campaign group, added: “Quite simply, my view hasn’t changed and that is I really feel sorry for the residents who are again having to contend with the full weight of Gladman’s aggressive approach to development.

“It is not fair and totally unjustified and we will be fighting it all the way and it is imperative that Chorley Council fight this too and defend and stick to their agreed local plan.”

Gladman say the development will offer new public open space, footpaths, and cycle links for residents to enjoy, fully equipped play areas to cater for all ages and 30 per cent will be affordable housing to help those wanting to get on the property ladder.

On the leaflet it adds: “Often people are concerns that the proposed new development will put pressure on local services.

“As a result, financial contributions will be made where there is need to increase capacity in these services such as the local schools and GP surgery.”

Resident Sue Shannon, who is a resident of School Lane in Euxton, said: “I really strongly object to the proposal for any further development around Euxton at this time, particularly these green fields between Pear Tree Lane and School Lane which are deemed as safeguarded until 2026.”

Sue added: “I have checked the property market today and 300 existing homes are available for sale or rent in the Euxton area. Keeping this land safeguarded until 2026 gives reasonable time to carefully plan any further development in the area to ensure it is sustainable and meets the needs of future generations. The Local Plan ensures that the scale and timing of development in the Chorley Borough is correct.”

n If you want to comment on the plan or the leaflet then you can email at comments@your-views.co.uk with ‘Euxton’ as the subject.