Planning in Chorley

Protection of Existing Open Space, Sport and Recreational Facilities

Land and buildings currently or last used as, or ancillary to, open space or sports and recreational facilities will be protected unless: a) Alternative facilities of an equivalent or enhanced standard are provided nearby before the existing facilities cease to be available; or b) It can be demonstrated that the loss of the site would not lead to a deficit of provision in the local area in terms of quantity and accessibility; and c) The site is not identified as being of high quality and/or high value in the Open Space Study; and d) It can be demonstrated that retention of the site is not required to satisfy a recreational need in the local area; and e) The site does not make a significant contribution to the character of an area in terms of visual amenity.

Valley Parks

Proposals to enhance the recreational value of the Valley Parks at Yarrow Valley, Cuerden and Chapel Brook will be permitted if it can be demonstrated that they would not detract from the amenity, recreational and wildlife value of the Valley Parks.

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Proposals for tourism or recreational facilities along the canal will be permitted provided that all of the following criteria are satisfied: a) The historic character of the waterway will not be damaged. b) The water quality or ecological value of the canal will not be damaged. c) The design reflects the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

Allotments

The redevelopment of land which is currently or was last used for allotments will only be permitted if: a) It is demonstrated that the site is surplus to requirements; or b) An equivalent and equally convenient provision of allotments is laid out and made available elsewhere.

Community Facilities

Development proposing the change of use or loss of any premises or land currently or last used as a community facility (including community centres, village and church halls, places of worship, public houses, children's centres, libraries, cultural facilities and health facilities) will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a) The facility no longer serves the local needs of the community in which it is located; and b) Adequate alternative provision has been made, or is already available, in the settlement or local area; and c) The use is no longer financially viable; and d) The facility is in an isolated location remote from public transport routes; or e) There is an amenity or environmental reason why the facility is no longer acceptable.

Crematoria and Burial Facilities

Land is reserved for additional burial facilities at: HW7.1 Chapel Street, Adlington

New Open Space, Sport and Recreational Facilities

Proposals for the provision of new open space, sport and recreational facilities or extensions to existing facilities will be permitted if all of the following criteria are met: a) The development will not have an adverse impact on the local environment or visual character of the landscape; b) The development will not result in the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3); c) The development will not cause harm to a site of nature conservation value; d) The development will not harm the amenities of local residents; e) The site is accessible by a choice of means of transport other than the private car and the traffic generated would not have a severe impact on the highway network. Ancillary development for an existing open space, sport or recreational facility will be permitted if all of the following criteria are met: i. It is in connection with and will enhance the recreational and/or amenity value of the open space. ii. It is of a size and scale which does not detract from the character of the open space. iii. It will not have a detrimental effect on any site of nature conservation value. iv. It does not result in the loss of any other sporting facility on the site. Playing pitches are proposed at the following location: HW1.1 Land off Westhead Road, Croston

Design Criteria for New Development

Planning permission will be granted for new development, including extensions, conversions and free standing structures, provided that, where relevant to the development: a) The proposal does not have a significantly detrimental impact on the surrounding area by virtue of its density, siting, layout, building to plot ratio, height, scale and massing, design, orientation and use of materials. b) The development would not cause harm to any neighbouring property by virtue of overlooking, overshadowing, or overbearing; c) The layout, design and landscaping of all elements of the proposal, including any internal roads, car parking, footpaths and open spaces, are of a high quality and respect the character of the site and local area; d) The residual cumulative highways impact of the development is not severe and it would not prejudice highway safety, pedestrian safety, the free flow of traffic, and would not reduce the number of on-site parking spaces to below the standards stated in Site Allocations Policy – Parking Standards, unless there are other material considerations which justify the reduction; e) The proposal would not adversely affect the character or setting of a listed building and/or the character of a conservation area and/or any heritage asset including locally important areas; f) The proposal would not have a detrimental impact on important natural habitats and landscape features such as historic landscapes, mature trees, hedgerows, ponds and watercourses. In some circumstances where on balance it is considered acceptable to remove one or more of these features then mitigation measures to replace the feature/s will be required either on or off-site; g) The proposal would not cause an unacceptable degree of noise disturbance to surrounding land uses; h) The proposal includes measures to help to prevent crime and promote community safety.

Settlement Areas

Within the settlement areas excluded from the Green Belt, and identified on the Policies Map, there is a presumption in favour of appropriate sustainable development, subject to material planning considerations and the other Policies and Proposals within this Plan.

Employment Site Allocations

The following sites shown on the Policies Map are allocated and protected for business, general industrial or storage and distribution (Use Classes B1, B2 or B8 respectively) in the period 2010- 2026. Chorley Council will require a masterplan or development brief on sites identified with an *(M/DB). Sites identified with # are also suitable for housing use as part of a mixed use development. Location Hectares Use Class Policy Key Service Centre: Chorley Town EP1.1 Great Knowley*#} employment site for sub-regionally 14.1 B1, B2) EP2 EP1.2 Botany Bay*# } significant development 5.90 B1, B2, B8, C1} EP2 EP1.3 Land to North East of M61 Junction* (Gale Moss) 6.90 B1, B2, B8 EP1.5 North of Euxton Lane* 13.1 B1, B2, B8 EP1.6 Cowling Farm*# 3.50 B1, B2, B8 EP1.7 Land at Ackhurst Business Park 0.50 B1, B2. B8, A2 EP1.8 Lyons Lane Mill, Townley Street 0.50 B1, B2 EP1.9 Woodlands Centre, Southport Road 0.80 B1, A2, EP1.10 Stump Lane 0.28 B1, B2 45.58 Buckshaw Village: Strategic Site EP1.11 The Revolution 13.80 B2, B8 EP1.12 Group 1 5.40 B1, B2, EP1.13 Southern Commercial 7.76 B1, B2, B8 26.96 Local Urban Service Centres Adlington EP1.14 Fairport, Market Place*# 0.60 B1, B8 Clayton-le-Woods EP1.15 Land east of Wigan Road*# 15.0 B1, B2, B8 15.60 Rural Local Service Centres and In Other Places EP1.17 Rear of New Street, Mawdesley 0.60 B1 0.60 Employment Allocations Total 88.74

Botany Bay/Great Knowley Area – Sub-Regional Employment and Mixed Use Site

Within the area defined on the Policies Map at Botany Bay/Great Knowley, new development, redevelopment or change of use will be permitted subject to the following: a) Comprehensive development of the site is demonstrated through a masterplan; b) The implementation of development in accordance with an agreed design code; c) A phasing and infrastructure delivery schedule for the area; and d) An agreed programme of implementation in accordance with the masterplan. Botany Bay (EP1.2) - (Site area 8.8 hectares) i. Employment uses comprising B1 (Business), B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (Storage or Distribution); ii. Hotel (Use Class C1), Restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3) and drinking establishments (Use Class A4); iii. Leisure uses (Use Class D2); iv. Retail (Use Class A1); v. Pedestrian and cycle route adjacent to the canal. Residential uses may also be permitted if the nature of the employment use would support residential use above ground floor level. Botany/Great Knowley (EP1.1) - (Site area 23.7 hectares) i. Employment use comprising B1 (Business) and B2 (General Industrial); ii. 200 residential units; iii. Restaurants and cafes (Use Class A3) and drinking establishments (Use Class A4); iv. Water based leisure/recreation uses such as marina adjacent to the canal; and v. Pedestrian and cycle route adjacent to the canal with connectivity to the existing canal towpath.

Development Criteria for Business and Industrial Development

Proposals for new business, industrial and storage and distribution uses, including extensions to existing premises, will be permitted if they satisfy the following criteria: a) they are of a scale and character that is commensurate with the size of the settlement; b) the site is planned and laid out on a comprehensive basis; c) the proposal will not prejudice future, or current economic activities within nearby areas; d) the proposal will not cause unacceptable harm e.g. noise, smells to surrounding uses; e) the site has an adequate access that would not create a traffic hazard or have an undue environmental impact; f) the proposal will be served by public transport and provide pedestrian and cycle links to adjacent areas; g) open storage areas should be designed to minimise visual intrusion; h) adequate screening is provided where necessary to any unsightly feature of the development and security fencing is located to the internal edge of any perimeter landscaping; i) on the edges of industrial areas, where sites adjoin residential areas or open countryside, developers will be required to provide substantial peripheral landscaping; j) the development makes safe and convenient access provision for people with disabilities; k) the buildings are designed, laid out and landscaped to maximise the energy conservation potential of any development, and to minimise the risk of crime; l) the proposal will not result in surface water, drainage or sewerage related pollution problems; and m) the proposal incorporates measures which help to prevent crime and promote community safety.

Employment Development in Residential Areas

New small scale employment development (Use Classes B1, B2, B8, A1, A2), will be permitted in areas where housing is the principal land use provided there would be no detriment to the amenity of the area in terms of scale, character, noise, nuisance, disturbance, environment and car parking.

Trees

Development proposals which would result in the loss of trees and/or involve inappropriate works to trees which contribute positively to the character and appearance of a Conservation Area will not be permitted. The removal of such trees will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances and where consent is granted, replacement trees will be required to be planted. Proposals that would result in the loss of trees, woodland areas or hedgerows which make a valuable contribution to the character of the landscape, a building, a settlement or the setting thereof will not be permitted. Replacement planting will be required where it is considered that the benefit of the development outweighs the loss of some trees or hedgerows. Tree planting will be required as part of new development proposals and an associated maintenance scheme. Tree Preservation Orders will be used to protect trees of landscape or townscape significance.

Species Protection

Planning permission will not be granted for development which would have an adverse effect on a priority species unless the benefits of the development outweigh the need to maintain the population of the species in situ. Should development be permitted that might have an effect on a priority species planning conditions or agreements will be used to: a) Facilitate the survival of the individual species affected; b) Reduce the disturbance to a minimum; and c) Provide adequate alternative habitats to sustain the viability of the local population of that species.

Development in the Area of Other Open Countryside

In the Area of Open Countryside, as shown on the Policies Map, development will be permitted provided the applicant can demonstrate that: a) It is needed for the purpose of agriculture or forestry or other uses appropriate to a rural area; b) It involves the rehabilitation and re-use of existing rural buildings where their form, bulk and general design are appropriate to the character of the surrounding countryside.

Areas of Land Safeguarded for Future Development Needs

Development other than that permissible in the countryside whether Green Belt or Area of Other Open Countryside will not be permitted on Safeguarded Land as shown on the Policies Map at: BNE3.1 East of M61, Chorley BNE3.2 Harrisons's Farm, Adlington BNE3.3 North of Bond's Lane, Adlington BNE3.4 Babylon Lane, Heath Charnock BNE3.5 North of Hewlett Avenue, Coppull BNE3.6 Blainscough Hall, Coppull BNE3.7 East of Tincklers Lane, Eccleston BNE3.8 Between Bradley Lane, 7 Parr Lane, Eccleston BNE3.9 Pear Tree Lane, Euxton BNE3.10 West of M61, Whittle-le-Woods BNE3.11 South east of Belmont Road & Abbey Grove, Adlington

Areas of Separation

The two Areas of Separation as shown on the Policies Map are between: Chorley and Euxton Chorley and Whittle-le-Woods

Redevelopment of Previously Developed Sites in the Green Belt

The reuse, infilling or redevelopment of previously developed sites in the Green Belt, will be permitted providing the following criteria are met: In the case of re-use: a) The proposal does not have a materially greater impact than the existing use on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land in it; b) The development respects the character of the landscape and has regard to the need to integrate the development with its surroundings, and will not be of significant detriment to features of historical or ecological importance. In the case of infill: c) The proposal does not lead to a major increase in the developed portion of the site, resulting in a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and the purpose of including land within it than the existing development. In the case of redevelopment: d) The appearance of the site as a whole is maintained or enhanced and that all proposals, including those for partial redevelopment, are put forward in the context of a comprehensive plan for the site as a whole.

Light Pollution

Applications for development requiring, or likely to require, external lighting must include details of the lighting scheme as part of the application. Lighting schemes will be permitted provided the applicant demonstrates that: a) The amount of lighting is the minimum required for security and public safety; and b) Light spillage will be minimised; and c) There will be no nuisance to neighbours or adverse effect on the character of an area.

Unstable Land

Applications for development on unstable or potentially unstable land must be accompanied by a stability report identifying the relevant issues and how they will be overcome and demonstrating all of the following: a) There is no unacceptable risk to the occupiers of the developing or neighbouring land; b) There is no threat to the structural integrity of any building built, or to be built, on or adjacent to the site; c) The development would not cause the instability of adjoining land or buildings; d) That adequate measures to alleviate any gas emissions can be provided and that arrangements have been made for regular monitoring; e) Before any work begins, a scheme of remedial work, and where appropriate of maintenance arrangements, has been approved by the planning authority in writing; f) That all the remedial work proposed in a scheme approved by the planning authority has been completed before the development is first occupied.

Biodiversity and Nature Conservation

In Chorley, Biodiversity and Ecological Network resources will be protected, conserved, restored and enhanced: Priority will be given to: i. Protecting and safeguarding all designated sites of international, national, regional, county and local level importance including all Ramsar sites, Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, national nature reserves, sites of special scientific interest and biological heritage sites, geological heritage sites, local nature reserves and wildlife corridors together with any ecological network approved by the Council; ii. Protecting, safeguarding and enhancing habitats for European, nationally and locally important species; iii. The ecology of the site and the surrounding area (safeguarding existing habitats / features such as but not exclusive to trees, hedgerows, ponds and streams), unless justified otherwise; iv. When considering applications for planning permission, protecting, conserving, restoring and enhancing Chorley's ecological network and providing links to the network from and/or through the proposed development site. In addition development must adhere to the provisions set out below: a) The production of a net gain in biodiversity where possible by designing in wildlife and by ensuring that any adverse impacts are avoided or if unavoidable are reduced or appropriately mitigated and/or compensated; b) The provision of opportunities for habitats and species to adapt to climate change; c) The support and encouragement of enhancements which contribute to habitat restoration; d) Where there is reason to suspect that there may be protected habitats/species on or close to a proposed development site, the developer will be expected to carry out all necessary surveys in the first instance; planning applications must then be accompanied by a survey assessing the presence of such habitats/species and, where appropriate, make provision for their needs; e) In exceptional cases where the need for development in that location is considered to significantly outweigh the impact on the natural environment, appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures or as a last resort compensatory habitat creation and/or restoration will be required through planning conditions and/or planning obligations. The following definition of what constitutes damage to natural environmental assets will be used in assessing applications potentially impacting upon assets: 1. Loss of the undeveloped open character of a part, parts or all of the ecological network; 2. Reducing the width or causing direct or indirect severance of the ecological network or any part of it; 3. Restricting the potential for lateral movement of wildlife; 4. Causing the degradation of the ecological functions of the ecological network or any part of it; 5. Directly or indirectly damaging or severing links between green spaces, wildlife corridors and the open countryside; and 6. Impeding links to ecological networks recognised by neighbouring planning authorities. 7. Significant adverse effect on the interest features of a designated nature conservation site.

Protection and Enhancement of Heritage Assets

a) Applications affecting a Heritage Asset or its setting will be granted where it: i. Is in accordance with the Framework and relevant Historic England guidance; ii. Where appropriate, takes full account of the findings and recommendations in the Council's Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Proposals; iii. Is accompanied by a satisfactory Heritage Statement (as defined by Chorley Council's advice on Heritage Statements) and; b) Applications will be granted where they sustain, conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the significance, appearance, character and setting of the heritage asset itself and the surrounding historic environment and where they show consideration for the following: i. The conservation of features and elements that contribute to the heritage asset's significance and character. This may include: chimneys, windows and doors, boundary treatments, original roof coverings, earthworks or buried remains, shop fronts or elements of shop fronts in conservation areas, as well as internal features such as fireplaces, plaster cornices, doors, architraves, panelling and any walls in listed buildings; ii. The reinstatement of features and elements that contribute to the heritage asset's significance which have been lost or damaged; iii. The conservation and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the setting of heritage assets; iv. The removal of additions or modifications that are considered harmful to the significance of any heritage asset. This may include the removal of pebbledash, paint from brickwork, non-original style windows, doors, satellite dishes or other equipment; v. The use of the Heritage Asset should be compatible with the conservation of its significance. Whilst the original use of a building is usually the most appropriate one it is recognised that continuance of this use is not always possible. Sensitive and creative adaptation to enable an alternative use can be achieved and innovative design solutions will be positively encouraged; vi. Historical information discovered during the application process shall be submitted to the Lancashire Historic Environment Record. Development involving the demolition or removal of significant heritage assets or parts thereof will be granted only in exceptional circumstances which have been clearly and convincingly demonstrated to be in accordance with the requirements of the Framework.

Agricultural Workers' Dwellings in the Countryside

Outside the defined settlements and existing urban areas shown on the Policies Map, the erection of a new dwelling will only be permitted when accommodation is required to enable agriculture, horticulture, forestry (or other rural based enterprise) workers to live at, or in the immediate vicinity of, their place of work. a) New permanent dwellings will be allowed to support existing agricultural or forestry activities on well-established agricultural or forestry units provided that: i. There is a clearly established functional need; ii. The functional need relates to a full time worker or one primarily employed in agriculture, forestry or rural based enterprise activities; iii. The unit and the agricultural or forestry activity concerned have been established for at least three years, have been profitable for at least one of them, are currently financially sound, and have a clear prospect of remaining so; iv. The functional need could not be fulfilled by another dwelling on the unit or any other existing accommodation in the area which is suitable and available; and v. The siting of the proposed dwelling is well related to the existing farm buildings or its impact on the landscape could be minimised. b) If a new dwelling is essential to support a new farming or forestry activity on an established unit or on a new agricultural unit, an application should be made for temporary accommodation. The application should satisfy all the following criteria: i. There is clear evidence of a firm intention and ability to develop the new enterprise concerned; ii. a functional need relating to the enterprise; iii. There is clear evidence that the new activity has been planned on a sound financial basis; iv. the functional need could not be fulfilled by another existing dwelling on the unit or any other existing accommodation in the area which is suitable for and available for occupation by the workers concerned; v. the proposal would not give rise to significant environmental damage, particularly in relation to its impact on the landscape; vi. satisfactory vehicular access and parking can be achieved within the site; vii. satisfactory infrastructure including drainage facilities are available. c) Where existing dwellings are subject to conditions restricting occupancy, applications to remove such conditions will not be permitted unless the applicant can demonstrate that there is no longer any realistic agricultural or forestry need both from the enterprise and the locality for the restriction to be maintained by meeting all the following criteria: i. the essential need which originally required the dwelling to be permitted no longer applies in relation to the farm unit and that the dwelling will not be required similarily in the longer term; ii. the property has been actively marketed in specialist and local press and estate agents at least once a month for a minimum of 12 months; and iii. the advertised selling price is realistic given the age, size ,condition and location of the property and iv. following marketing that meets criteria c) ii) and iii) above, no realistic offers have been made to the vendors from people eligible to occupy the dwelling meeting the terms of the planning condition concerned.

Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople

Within the mixed use allocation HS1.5/EP1.6 Cowling Farm, provision will be made for a minimum of 5 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches on 0.4ha of land.

Private Residential Garden Development

In settlements applications for development within private residential gardens on sites not allocated in the Housing Allocations Policy will only be permitted for: a) Appropriately designed and located replacement dwellings where there is no more than one for one replacement. b) The conversion and extension of domestic buildings. c) Infill development on gardens. Infill is the filling of a small gap in an otherwise built-up street frontage, e.g. typically a gap which could be filled by one or possibly two houses of a type in keeping with the character of the street frontage. When assessing applications for garden sites, the Council will also have regard to; 1) Sustainability, such as access to public transport, schools, businesses and local services and facilities. Proposals which significantly undermine amenity and harm the distinctive character of an area will be refused.

Open Space Requirements in New Housing Developments

All new housing developments will be required to make provision for open space and recreation facilities, where there are identified local deficiencies in the quantity, accessibility or quality and/or value of open space and recreation facilities. Where there is an identified local deficiency in quantity and/or accessibility, open space provision will be required on-site. Where this is not appropriate, payment of a financial contribution towards off-site provision or improvements to existing open spaces and recreation facilities will be required. Where there is an identified local deficiency in quality and/or value of existing open spaces and recreation facilities, a financial contribution towards improving these sites will be required. On-site provision and financial contributions for off-site provision or improvements will be calculated using the following standards: Amenity greenspace 0.73 hectares per 1,000 population Provision for children/young people 0.08 hectares per 1,000 population Parks and gardens 1.91 hectares per 1,000 population Natural and semi-natural greenspace 4.64 hectares per 1,000 population Allotments 0.07 hectares per 1,000 population

Playing Pitch Requirements in New Housing Developments

All new housing developments will be required to pay a financial contribution towards new playing pitch provision in the Borough or towards improvements to existing playing pitches. The financial contribution will be calculated using a standard of 1.21 hectares per 1,000 population.

House Extensions

Permission will be granted for the extension of dwellings provided that the following criteria are satisfied: a) The extension respects the existing house and the surrounding buildings in terms of scale, size, design and facing materials, without innovative and original design features being stifled; b) There is no unacceptable adverse effect on the amenity of neighbouring properties through overlooking, loss of privacy or reduction of daylight; c) The proposal does not have an unacceptable adverse impact on highway safety; d) And in the case of the Green Belt, Safeguarded Land or Area of Other Open Countryside, the proposed extension should not result in a disproportionate increase in the volume of the original dwelling. Increases of up to 50% (volume) are not considered disproportionate.

Replacement Dwellings

Permission will be granted for the replacement of dwellings provided that the following criteria are satisfied: a) The proposed replacement dwelling respects the surrounding buildings in terms of scale, size, design and facing materials, without innovative and original design features being stifled; b) There is no unacceptable adverse effect on the amenity of neighbouring properties through overlooking, loss of privacy or reduction of daylight; c) Safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved; And in the Case of the Green Belt, Safeguarded Land or Area of Other Open Countryside: d) The proposed replacement dwelling would not detract from the openness to a greater extent than the original dwelling; and e) The proposed replacement dwelling would not be materially larger than the dwelling it replaces nor involves enlarging the residential curtilage. Increases of up to 30% (volume) are not considered to be materially larger.

Rural Infilling

Within smaller villages limited infilling for housing will be permitted providing the applicant can demonstrate that the following criteria are met: a) The existing buildings form a clearly identifiable built-up frontage; b) The site lies within the frontage, with buildings on either side, and its development does not extend the frontage; c) The proposal would complement the character and setting of the existing buildings. Infill is the filling of a small gap in an otherwise built-up street frontage, e.g. typically a gap which could be filled by one or possibly two houses of a type in keeping with the character of the street frontage. When assessing applications for rural infill sites, the Council will also have regard to site sustainability, including access to public transport, schools, businesses and local services and facilities.

Rural Affordable Housing - Rural Exception Sites

A limited number of dwellings exclusively to meet a local need for affordable housing may be allowed adjoining the settlements of Abbey Village, Bretherton, Brindle, Brinscall, Charnock Richard, Croston, Eccleston, Gib Lane, Gregson Lane, Higher Wheelton, Hoghton, Mawdesley, Wheelton or Withnell providing all of the following criteria are met: a) There is no suitable site available within the village; b) The scale and nature of the development would be in character with the settlement; c) The development would significantly contribute to the solution of a local housing problem that cannot be solved in any other way; d) The occupancy of the dwellings would be limited to people with a close local connection and who are unable to afford market housing; e) The development is managed by a Registered Provider or similar body.

Conversion of Rural Buildings in the Green Belt and Other Designated Rural Areas

The re-use of existing buildings in the Green Belt, Safeguarded Land and Area of Other Open Countryside will be allowed providing all of the following criteria are met: a) The proposal does not have a materially greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land in it; b) The proposal would not harm the character or quality of the countryside or landscape; c) The re-use of the building must not be likely to result in additional farm buildings which would have a harmful effect on the openness of the Green Belt; d) If an agricultural building, it is not one substantially completed within ten years of the date of the application; e) The building is of permanent and substantial construction and capable of conversion without more than 30% reconstruction; f) The building must be capable of conversion without the need for additions or alterations which would change its existing form and character. Particular attention will be given to curtilage formation which should be drawn tightly around the building footprint and the requirement for outbuildings, which should be minimal; g) The building must already have, or there exists the capability of creating, a reasonable vehicular access to a public highway that is available for use without creating traffic hazards and without the need for road improvements which would have an undue environmental impact; h) The development would not result in the loss of or damage to any important wildlife habitat or protected species.

Housing Site Allocations

The following sites on the Policies Map are allocated and protected for housing development for the period up until 2026. Chorley Council will require a masterplan or development brief on sites identified with an *. Sites identified with # also have land allocated for employment use as part of a mixed use development. Over the plan period it is not necessary to release private garden land for housing as a matter of principle in order to meet requirements. Ref Location Greenfield or Brownfield Total Site Area (ha) Dwellings Available at April 2012 Key Service Centre: Chorley Town HS1.1 Eaves Green, off Lower Burgh Lane* G 18.5 419 HS1.2 Carr Lane (Former Vertex Site) B 7.2 194 HS1.3 Former Lex Auto Logistics Site, Pilling Lane B 10.1 154 HS1.4 Land off Quarry Road B 1.5 37 HS1.5 Cowling Farm*# G 6 158 HS1.6 Crosse Hall Mill Farm G 7.8 65 HS1.7 Talbot Mill, Froom Street B 4.4 149 HS1.8 Botany Bay/Great Knowley *# See also Policy EP2 G/B 9.6 200 HS1.9 Chancery Road G 1.9 50 HS1.10 Gillibrand G 1.5 46 HS1.11 Hodder Avenue B 0.4 14 HS1.12 Park Mills, Deighton Road B 1.4 64 HS1.13 Land off Duke Street G/B 1.5 70 HS1.14 Lyons Lane Mill, Townley Street B 0.5 24 HS1.15 Railway Road B 0.6 20 HS1.16 Initial Textile Services, Harpers Lane B 1.0 41 HS1.17 Cabbage Hall Fields G 0.6 11 HS1.18 Rydal House, Chorley Hall Road B 0.8 26 HS1.19 Land adjacent to Northgate G 0.8 21 HS1.20 Land at Southport Road G 2.1 59 Buckshaw Village: Strategic Site HS1.21 Group 1, Former Royal Ordnance Site, Euxton Lane B 25.4 761 HS1.22 Buckshaw Village (inc. Group 4N) B 77.9 796 Urban Local Service Centres Adlington HS1.23 Grove Farm, Railway Road G/B 2.5 67 HS1.24 Land Adjacent to Bolton Road* G 7.2 170 HS1.25 Weldbank Plastics B 0.7 20 HS1.26 Fairport, Market Place* # B 0.9 31 Clayton Brook/Green HS1.27 Back Lane Reservoir, Back Lane B 0.4 14 HS1.28 Radburn Works, Sandy Lane B 2.8 17 HS1.29 Westwood Road G 1.3 23 HS1.30 Land off Chorley Old Road, Swansey Lane G 1.3 39 Clayton-le-Woods HS1.31 Land to the East of Wigan Road*# G 37.14 699 HS1.32 Burrows Premises Wigan Road B 0.8 13 Coppull HS1.33 Discover Leisure, Chapel Lane*# B 3.9 117 HS1.34 Regent Street B 0.5 22 HS1.35 Land at Northenden Road G 1 19 HS1.36 Coppull Enterprise Centre, Mill Lane B 1.3 49 HS1.37 Clancutt Lane G 1 28 HS1.38 Mountain Road G 0.8 22 Euxton HS1.39 Land at Sylvesters Farm G 6.7 161 HS1.40 Land at end of Dunrobin Drive G 1.8 36 HS1.41 37-41 Wigan Road B 0.6 12 HS1.42 Land at Greenside G 0.7 17 Whittle-le-Woods HS1.43A Land West of Lucas Lane G 9.6 121 HS1.43B Land East of Lucas Lane G 7.1 107 HS1.43C Land off Moss Lane G 4.2 76 HS1.44 Hill Top Lane G 0.9 22 HS1.45 202 Chorley Old Road G 0.6 12 HS1.53 Little Quarries, Hill Top Lane B 6.6 85 Rural Local Service Centres and In Other Places HS1.46 Land at Drinkwater Farm, Windsor Drive, Brinscall G 0.4 10 HS1.47 Land Adjacent 32 Moor Road, Croston G 0.6 24 HS1.48 Croston Timber Works Goods Yard, Station Road, Croston B 0.9 26 HS1.49 75 Towngate, Eccleston G 0.4 12 HS1.50 Carrington Centre, Eccleston (retail/employment components to be included) G/B 2.5 62 HS1.51 Sagar House, Langton Brow, Eccleston G/B 2.8 66 HS1.52 Pole Green Nurseries, Charnock Richard G/B 0.9 29 Total 292.34 5,607

Phasing of Housing Development

Housing sites allocated in the Housing Allocations Policy are phased through indicative timescales identified in Appendix B. This phased approach to housing development encourages the development of brownfield sites and seeks to maintain a sufficient supply of housing land throughout the Borough over the plan period. Three phases are proposed, 2012-2016, 2016-2021 and 2021-2026. Development will be encouraged in order to achieve the general sequence of development set out in Appendix B and deliver the annual rate of supply proposed under Core Strategy Policy 4: Housing Delivery.

Private Residential Garden Development

In settlements applications for development within private residential gardens on sites not allocated in the Housing Allocations Policy will only be permitted for: a) Appropriately designed and located replacement dwellings where there is no more than one for one replacement. b) The conversion and extension of domestic buildings. c) Infill development on gardens. Infill is the filling of a small gap in an otherwise built-up street frontage, e.g. typically a gap which could be filled by one or possibly two houses of a type in keeping with the character of the street frontage. When assessing applications for garden sites, the Council will also have regard to; 1) Sustainability, such as access to public transport, schools, businesses and local services and facilities.

Primary School Allocations

Land is reserved on the Policies Map for school purposes at: 1) Buckshaw Village (Group 1). 2) Land to the east of Wigan Road (A49) Clayton-le-Woods.

Further and Higher Education Facilities

Land at Woodlands, Southport Road, Chorley is proposed for office, educational, or training use. Proposals for the provision of facilities for further or higher education on other sites will, however, be permitted where the following criteria are met: a) The site is within an urban area; b) The use of the site would be compatible with the surrounding land uses; c) The site has adequate road access and its development would not give rise to unsatisfactory traffic, parking or environmental conditions; d) The site is well served by the public transport and cycleway network.

Model Policy

When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the Framework. The Council will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise, taking into account whether: a) any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the Framework taken as a whole and those contained in the Core Strategy; or b) specific policies in the Framework and Core Strategy indicate that development should be restricted.

Retail Site Allocations in Chorley Town

The following sites defined on the Policies Map are allocated for retail development within Chorley Town Centre: EP5.1 Flat Iron Car Park EP5.2 Bolton Street/Pall Mall EP5.3 5-9 Gillibrand Street EP5.4 High Street/Cleveland Street

Chorley Town Primary Shopping Area, Primary and Secondary Frontages

Within the Primary Shopping Area of Chorley Town as shown on the Policies Map, Class A1 use (shops) will be permitted at ground floor and first floor levels. Class A3 use (restaurants and cafes), Class A4 use (drinking establishments), Class A5 use (Hot food takeaways) and with the exception of properties in Market Walk, Class A2 use (financial and professional services) will be permitted in circumstances where they do not adversely impact either individually or cumulatively, on the function, vitality and viability of the Primary Frontage. Within the Secondary Frontage area as shown on the Policies Map, a combination of retail and town centre uses as defined by the Framework will be permitted where they maintain and enhance the vitality of this area. This can include some development and change of use which: a) Promotes the evening and daytime economy; b) Provides for independent retailers that contribute to the overall vitality of the Town Centre; and c) At first floor level, provides offices and residential uses. Class A5 use (hot food takeaways) will be permitted where they do not adversely impact either individually or cumulatively, on the function, vitality and viability of the Secondary Frontage. Proposals for residential use at ground floor level will not be permitted within the secondary frontage area.

Development and Change of Use in District and Local Centres

The boundaries of the District and Local Centres are defined on the Policies Map. The following criteria apply for change of use and development in District and Local Centres: a) Planning permission will be granted for A1, A2, A3, and A4 uses which support the role and function of District and Local Centres. b) A5 uses (hot food takeaways) will be permitted where the proposal would not adversely impact, either individually or cumulatively, on the function, vitality and viability of the centre. c) Planning permission will be not be granted for non-retail uses (including the loss of A1 use) unless it can be shown that there is no demand for retail or commercial use or the property was last occupied by a non retail/non commercial use. This will need to be demonstrated through an active 12 month marketing process showing that the property has been offered for sale on the open market at a realistic price and that no reasonable offers have been refused. The provision of flats on the upper floors of the building will be encouraged but this will not apply where the applicant can demonstrate that the whole building will be fully utilised for retail/commercial purposes.

Existing Local Shops

Development proposing the change of use or loss of any premises or land currently or last used as a local shop (Use Class A1) outside of the defined town centre; district or local centre boundaries will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a) The use is not financially viable; b) There is sufficient provision in the local area; and c) The facility is in an isolated location remote from public transport routes.

Development in Edge-of-Centre and Out-of-Centre Locations

Outside the town, district and local centres, change of use and development for small scale local shopping and town centre uses (either as part of mixed use developments or in isolation) will be permitted where: a) The proposal meets a local need and can be accessed in its catchment by walking, cycling and public transport; and b) Does not harm the amenity of an adjacent area; and c) The Sequential Test and Impact Assessment are satisfied setting out how proposals do not detract from the function, vitality and viability of the borough's hierarchy of centres.

New Provision or Improvement of Footpaths, Cycleways, Bridleways and their associated facilities in existing networks and new development

New development and highway and traffic management schemes will not be permitted unless they include appropriate facilities for pedestrians, cycle parking facilities, and/or cycle routes. Proposals should provide for: i) The retention or appropriate diversion of existing footpath and cycleway links; ii) Facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to facilitate access on foot and by bicycle to nearby residential, commercial, retail, educational and leisure areas, where appropriate; iii) Additional footpaths, bridleways and cycleway routes between the countryside and built up areas where appropriate. Proposals to improve, extend or add to the existing footpath, cycleway and bridleway network in the Borough and in new development will be supported providing they: a) Are integrated with existing routes to facilitate access on foot, by bicycle and by horse; b) Where appropriate, identify gaps in the existing network and map potential new link routes, particularly in areas where there is a high level of demand; c) Do not harm residential amenities; d) Do not harm nature conservation interests; e) Take into account the needs of agriculture; f) Are located and designed to minimise the risk of crime; g) Have regard to the needs of people with impaired mobility; and h) Have regard to other users of the route and vehicular traffic. Permission will not be granted for development which would prejudice the implementation of the proposed cycle routes/recreational footpaths shown on the Policies Map or the continuity of existing cycle routes within

Parking Standards

Proposals for development will need to make parking provision in accordance with the standards set out in Appendix A. Locations that are considered to be more sustainable and well served by public transport may be considered appropriate for lower levels of provision. Proposals for provision above or below this standard will be supported by evidence detailing the local circumstances that justify deviation from the standard. The local circumstances that will be taken into account include: a) The quality of provision for pedestrians - width of footways, quality of surfaces, access points to the site, provision and quality of street furniture and lighting; b) The quality of provision for cyclists - cycle parking, dedicated cycling facilities, access points to site, quality of design and provision, any restrictions on cycle movement; c) The distance to and quality of bus stops, the frequency of services, quality of footways and lighting to stops, and the distance to the nearest interchange; d) The number of train stations within 1,200m walking distance, quality of station, and frequency of services; and e) Evidence of local parking congestion.

Rail Facilities, Electrification and Improvement

Land will be safeguarded for a railway station, and associated facilities including additional car and cycle parking at: ST2.1 Station Road, Coppull for a new railway station; ST2.2 Railway Road, Adlington as a rail based Park and Ride facility. ST2.3 Friday Street, Chorley to provide additional car parking for Chorley Railway Station. In addition to these allocations any development which would prejudice the future electrification of the Blackpool-Preston-Manchester railway or improvements to the west coast mainline will be refused.

Road Schemes and Development Access

Permission will not be granted for any development on land which: 1) Is required to allow road access to a site considered suitable for development; or 2) will prejudice the construction of identified road schemes. This includes the following proposed road improvement schemes and locations: Introduce a mini interchange at the proposed Asda site, Chorley and upgrade the surrounding junctions at Pall Mall and Bolton Street with public realm improvements including planting along Market Street, Chorley; Introduce a 'pay on exit' scheme for the Flat Iron car park, Chorley; Make highway junction improvements at the Flat Iron car park, Chorley; New Roundabout scheme on the junction of Union Street/Park Road, Chorley; New bus lane on Euxton Lane B5252 eastern approach to Chorley Hospital, Chorley involving carriageway widening; Make highway improvements at the Gillibrand Estate/Southlands, Chorley; Provide a bridge over the Leeds and Liverpool canal to service Botany Bay/Great Knowley, Chorley; Implement a coordinated signage scheme from the motorway and trunk roads to Chorley Town Centre; Signalised Junctions at Southport Road A581, Westway/ Foxhole Road roundabout, Chorley with relevant pedestrian crossings; Construct a new road from Central Avenue, Euxton to the A49; Construct an access road off Central Avenue to serve Buckshaw Hall, Euxton; Introduce a mini interchange at the existing Asda store, Clayton Green; Improve the Hayrick/Lancaster Lane A49 /B5256 junction, Clayton Le Woods including widening the A49 northern approach to the signals; Introduce integrated traffic management on the M6 between junctions 28-29 (-32).

Parking Standards

Proposals for development will need to make parking provision in accordance with the standards set out in Appendix A. Locations that are considered to be more sustainable and well served by public transport may be considered appropriate for lower levels of provision. Proposals for provision above or below this standard will be supported by evidence detailing the local circumstances that justify deviation from the standard. The local circumstances that will be taken into account include: a) The quality of provision for pedestrians - width of footways, quality of surfaces, access points to the site, provision and quality of street furniture and lighting; b) The quality of provision for cyclists - cycle parking, dedicated cycling facilities, access points to site, quality of design and provision, any restrictions on cycle movement; c) The distance to and quality of bus stops, the frequency of services, quality of footways and lighting to stops, and the distance to the near