Ribble Valley Council received 240 objections to the outline housing plan for land south of Causeway Farm at Longsight Road, Balderstone. Planning officers believed the estate should be refused, saying it was too big, would have a ‘suburban’ appearance and had poor walking, cycling and public transport links. Conservative Kevin Horkins agreed, saying: “A lot of time has gone into the planning officers’ report on this. Ribble Valley councillors had previously refused it and the council has since expressed dismay at the appeal’s outcome. However, councillors refused the Balderstone plan.