Hundreds of houses to be built at Willow Park in Langley

248 houses have been approved with conditions for Langley

A development of 248 houses is to be built at Willow Park in Langley, which formerly housed Langley Primary School until demolition following its closure in 2008.

The majority of the properties will be two-storeys, with 44 of two and a half storeys. The mix consists of 44 town houses, 49 mews, 98 semi-detached and 57 detached. 178 properties have three bedrooms, with 49 two-bed and 21 four-bed dwellings.

They will be built using red facing brick with grey tiled roofs, and have gardens and private driveways.

Additionally, the development would include associated highways and drainage works, public open space measuring around 1.5 hectares in area, plus a local equipped play area.

The site will be split into two parts: the western side has three entry points from Newton Crescent, Mosedale Drive and Greystoke Drive, whereas the eastern side has one site of entry from Thirlmere Drive.

The majority of the existing mature trees across the site would be removed, either to allow for built development or to accommodate the landscaped mounds. However, two sections of trees will be retained, and these will be supplemented by extensive landscape planting comprising native and ornamental heavy standard trees, native hedgerow, shrubs and wildflower areas.

A footpath/cycle link through the site will be retained between Burnside Crescent to the north-east of the site and Borrowdale Road to the south, through the new area of open space. The existing footpath link to Burnside Crescent at the far northern end of the site will also be retained, connecting to a proposed new footway.

Additional routes will be provided to connect the eastern and western sections of the development.

Permission was granted on Monday (2 October) in accordance with the officer recommendation, subject to the completion of a development agreement with the Council to deliver planning contributions of £100,000 towards the maintenance of the on-site public open space and £340,000 towards the provision or improvement of off-site formal sports provision and recreational open space.

Under Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the development must begin no later than three years after the date permission was granted.