Homes approved for abandoned theme park

Plans for 350 new homes on the site of the former Camelot Theme Park have given outline permission.

It follows a successful appeal by Story Homes to the Planning Inspectorate which granted the developer approval to convert the site in Charnock Richard near Chorley, where the theme park was abandoned in 2012.

The firm had twice been previously unsuccessful in gaining permission for similar schemes and said it was "delighted", adding that it "paves the way for the transformation of the long-derelict, brownfield and Grey Belt site".

Some local councillors have expressed "disappointment", arguing the site, which is in a largely rural area, is "unsuitable" for this scale of development.

The appeal was launched after Chorley Council failed to determine the planning application within the prescribed time limit.

After it was lodged, the council did not contest or oppose the development in principle.

The plans from Story Homes include up to 350 properties, which it said would include "50% affordable housing for eligible local people", a community hub, and the enhancement of habitats for native wildlife.

Adam Galleymore from Story Homes said: "We are committed to creating a high-quality development that will leave a positive and lasting legacy for Charnock Richard and the wider Chorley area."

The developer also said it would provide "a significant boost to the local economy".

Story Homes said the scheme would support "an estimated 240 jobs through local contractors, subcontractors and supply chains over the lifetime of the development".

Local councillor Alan Whittaker, who has long campaigned against the housing project, said: "It is the most grotesque decision that I've come across in 40 years of local government, it has no regard whatsoever to the communities adjacent.

"There's no evidence of any significant infrastructure, 350 houses, six or seven hundred cars coming out on to narrow Park Road, we'll be gridlocked for hours at a time."

He said people were "appalled and shocked" that anybody would give this permission.

At this stage this is outline planning permission, and the plan will need to go back to Chorley Council for other permissions, such as the exact number of houses.

Whittaker said the fight against these homes would continue, adding: "That's when we shall be mobilising people to come and object and see what they can do, but of course, the principle has been set and that's what we're up against now."

Story Homes said it would continue to engage "with the local community and Chorley Council as the scheme progresses through the next stages of the planning process".

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