en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ribble Valley Council in Lancashire, UK, has granted outline approval for the development of up to 200 homes near Pendle Road on the southeastern edge of Clitheroe. The site is adjacent to the Standen Strategic Expansion Area.

Planning consultant Savills is working with land promoter Richborough on the project. The approval was secured within five months of the application being validated in January.

Under the plans, Richborough's scheme includes 30% affordable housing, public open space with a play area, and active travel routes, while preserving long-distance views of Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. Connor Wigley, Richborough's Northern Planning Manager, said the site is a natural, sustainable land parcel on the edge of the authority's main development settlement. The scheme provides a high-quality design at the gateway to Clitheroe, ensuring the future development integrates positively with its surroundings.

The site is bordered by Pendle Road to the north, near Clitheroe Grammar School's playing fields, and sits opposite the Higher Standen masterplan area, a 1,040-home development led by Taylor Wimpey. Two phases of that plan are fully occupied, a third is over half occupied, a fourth is under construction, with two further phases to follow. Additionally, another 124-home scheme called Highmoor Park has received outline permission.

As this area of Clitheroe is designated a strategic expansion zone, these wider development visions mean local services including retail, employment space, and a pub are progressing, while a new primary school is now open. Officers recommending approval of Richborough's application noted that local services within Clitheroe are easily accessible and concluded the scheme represents sustainable development that contributes to the five-year housing supply.

Matt Dawber, Director at Savills, said the unanimous vote of support at the planning committee is testament to the hard work of the consultant team and the positive, proactive working relationship Richborough has cultivated with Ribble Valley officers to secure a high-quality development for Clitheroe.

The professional team also includes Pegasus Group (design and landscape), SEED Arboriculture, Ridge, RPS, and BWB Consulting.