Revised proposals for housing at the former Preston Garden Centre have been denied due to concerns over safety and environmental impact
Preston: The plans to build homes on the site of the old garden centre have been turned down. People are worried it would spoil the countryside look.
Last summer, the closure of Preston Gardens and Coppers Bistro hit the community hard. Many folks shared their sadness online.
The garden centre is up for sale at £1.35 million. After the initial proposal for ten homes was rejected, the owner tried again with a smaller plan.
But even with fewer homes, residents raised alarms about traffic and safety, especially for kids heading to Preston Primary School.
The council said the new plan still had issues. They pointed out that it would harm the countryside’s charm and that there were no ecological studies done.
Plus, the proposal didn’t include any affordable housing, which is a big deal in the area.
One local, David Kelly, expressed his worries about kids walking near the new homes. He felt more traffic would make things unsafe.
Others echoed his concerns, saying the area isn’t ready for more houses. Roads need fixing, and safety measures should be in place.
Chris Margeson also spoke up, saying the development would hurt the rural vibe of the area. He stressed that it’s outside the village limits.
The council’s housing officer mentioned that there’s a real need for affordable homes in the district, especially in rural spots like Preston.
After the first proposal was shot down, the owners tried again with nine homes, but that didn’t fly either.
Now, the latest plan for five homes was also rejected. The parish council is looking to buy the garden centre and turn it into a community hub.
But that depends on another housing project getting the green light. The council is worried about the narrow lane and the impact on the village.
They noted that the site is overgrown and full of trees, making it hard to see how building there would help local wildlife.
There are already plans for more homes in the village, and the council fears too many large houses could overwhelm the area.
A notice on the garden centre gates announced its permanent closure on August 27, thanking customers for their support over the years.
Villagers took to social media to express their sadness. Many shared fond memories of the garden centre, calling it a lovely spot.
People reminisced about the good times spent there and wished the staff well for the future.
