Sports village plan must address odors from pig farm

Plans for a new sports village and an affordable housing estate near Longridge, Lancashire, will need to consider potential odours from a neighboring pig farm. This was the finding of an initial review of the proposed project, located to the northwest of Longridge.

Preston City Council has determined that the project's nature and its likely effects on the land between Inglewhite Road, Chipping Lane, and Old Clay Lane do not necessitate a full environmental impact assessment.

The proposed development includes a full-size 3G football pitch, two seven-a-side junior pitches, six padel courts, indoor cricket nets, a gymnastics and dance school, and a 5km park run. Additionally, the site would accommodate 250 homes, all designated as affordable housing, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The project has been designed by Steel Work Construction Limited (SWC) and is supported by the social housing provider Community Gateway Association (CGA). Preston City Council identified Belmont Farms pig operation as a potential source of odour affecting future residents.

Planning officials noted the proximity of the pig farm to the development site and the possible impact on residential areas. Consequently, any future planning application must include an odour impact assessment to demonstrate that this concern has been addressed.

Officials also concluded that the loss of existing agricultural land for the housing and sports village would not be significant. The report stated that biodiversity and ecological impacts could be evaluated during the planning application stage with the submission of the required reports.

While the development would alter the character of the area due to the loss of pastureland, its location on the edge of Longridge means the visual impact would not significantly harm the landscape. The main short-term effect would likely be an increase in construction traffic, which could be managed through planning conditions.

The project is now set to move forward to the stage of full planning applications.

Author: Logan Reeves