THE next phase of the redevelopment of the former Horwich Loco Works has been recommended for approval.

Planning chiefs say the application for a further 205 homes has shortcomings, but those are outweighed by the benefits.

The application seeks the development of 205 homes, 10 of which would be on the ‘buffer land’ within the applicant’s existing Barton Quarter development and 195 dwellings within the next development phase of the Rivington Chase.

It follows on from the approval for the Rivington Chase development for up 1,700 homes and open space.

In addition to the 205 homes put forward in the current application, developer Bellway Homes Limited, is proposing to start the construction of a significant section of the ‘spine’ road through Rivington Chase to connect the whole development.

It will be a major road which will link Chorley New Road to Aspinall Way at the Middlebrook retail and business area.

A report submitted for the upcoming council meeting on Wednesday says the application has ‘shortfalls’ but recommends it is passed by committee members.

It states: “Officers do not consider that the proposed layout, design and scale of the dwellings proposed within Phase 2 of the applicant’s development fully accords with the core design principles set out in the approved design and access statement for the Rivington Chase development. The proposed surface water drainage of the site would also be delivered independently from the wider development. These matters are considered to be shortcomings of the proposal.

“Officers however consider that the combined benefits of the proposed development (material considerations) weigh heavily in favour of the proposed development.

“The non-delivery of the spine road would jeopardise the strategic redevelopment of Rivington Chase, potentially removing around 800 homes from the council’s housing supply. It is therefore critical that the western section of the spine road is delivered in a timely manner, which the approval of this application would ensure.”

Five objections have been received, with Horwich Town Council and Horwich Heritage raising their concerns. Town councillors said the developer should stick to the original masterplan.