A PLAN to construct 363 homes in Longridge as well as a new primary school and cricket ground is due to be voted on next month.

The project, which was originally sent to Ribble Valley Borough Council in September last year, was originally for 520 houses.

Applicant Barrett Homes revised the total down by 30 per cent earlier this year for the Chipping Lane development.

Councillors on the Planning and Development Committee are due to vote on the proposal on Thursday, July 2, at the council chamber in Church Street, Clitheroe, from 6.30pm.

Andrew Brown, senior land manager at Barratt Homes said: “Since the launch of our plans, Barratt Homes has been keen to work with the local community in developing the proposals for Chipping Lane.

"It is positive that those parts of the community in need of housing have been given the opportunity to be heard and it is really encouraging that many members of the local community shares our vision and are generally supportive of our plans.

"We know that there are other developers bringing forward their own proposals for Longridge, but we truly believe that our plans are the most sensible and sustainable option for meeting local needs.

“In comparison to other development proposals, Barratt Homes is committed to delivering more than just new homes.

"At Higgins Brook, land will be made available for a new primary school, which will help ensure that Longridge children will continue to be educated near to where they live and not forced to attend school outside of town, which is a reality in other parts of the borough.

“Barratt Homes will also provide a new £2 million modern playing facility for Longridge Cricket Club in the north east of the site.

"This will not only create a lasting sporting legacy for the town, but it will also assist this flagship club in continuing to operate at a high standard in the future."

Cllr Ken Hind, who represents the town on the borough council, said: "I'm staggered that Barratts has come out with this nonsense that they have people from the area who support this.

"I would like to meet them if that's true because I certainly have never found anyone who supports this application.

"I will be speaking against this at the meeting as these are houses that Longridge does not need."