Construction of new village on edge of Blackpool held up by cost

Outline planning permission to build up to 1,400 homes at Whyndyke Farm was granted in 2015 but work has yet to begin on the 225 acre site on Preston New Road.

Now architects are seeking permission to vary conditions imposed by Blackpool and Fylde councils, which both have jurisdiction over the land, in order to bring the scheme forward.

Applicant Cassidy and Ashton wants to reschedule road works required as part of the project so costs could be spread over a longer time on the development which is expected to take 15 years to complete.

This includes allowing some homes to be built prior to the completion of an internal link on the site between Preston New Road and Mythop Road.

A design statement submitted with an application to Blackpool Council for the variation says: "The site has been marketed since November 2018 and there has been significant interest from a number of parties.

"However, concerns in respect to the extent of infrastructure required prior to any other development taking place have delayed progress in the site coming forward.

"This application therefore seeks to vary the phasing of infrastructure provision and associated requirements in order to improve the viability of the site and enable the initial phase to come forward."

It adds the main "impediment to the site being taken forward has been the substantial upfront infrastructure costs required prior to residential development taking place.

"It is therefore proposed that the provision of infrastructure and payment of contributions be phased over a longer period, albeit with the same contributions and infrastructure being made."

Updated traffic surveys have been carried out which it is said show the changes would not lead to congestion on the existing roads.

Whyndyke Farm has been designated as a 'healthy new town' designed to encourage activity such as walking and cycling.

The scheme also includes a primary school, health centre and areas for light industrial use.