1. Housing boom in Chorley could place pressure on school places
A housing boom is predicted in Chorley in the next 15 years, according to a blue print for the future
of the borough.
The Central Lancashire Core Strategy sets out broadly where new development should be located in
Preston, South Ribble and Chorley Districts over the next 15 years
According to the strategy, it is predicted that Chorley, South Ribble and Preston will have housing
growth of 22,200 between 2010 and 2026, 10% of which will be based in Buckshaw Village alone.
The rise could put pressure on the high schools in the borough and they must start making those
preparations now, said Principal Designate of the proposed free school in Chorley, Dr Bulvinder
Michael.
“The Government has also predicted a huge rise in pupil numbers over the next 8 years so we need
to take action to ensure that we are equipped to deal with this. We do not want to see larger class
sizes or temporary classrooms in the borough.”
As of April 2010, there were 1,730 new dwellings in the Buckshaw area, with scope for a further
2300 and a further 65 hectares still available for commercial and other use.
Any housing development in neighbouring South Ribble and Preston would also put pressure on the
high schools in their areas, some of which already attract young people from Chorley and Euxton, in
particular Leyland St Mary’s.
The second phase of the Buckshaw development includes plans for an additional primary school –
the first opened for the September 2011 intake.
Buckshaw's recognised as a significant strategic site so will continue to attract investment, plus the
new train station at Buckshaw makes the area more attractive to live for commutes to Manchester
and Preston. The employment land at Buckshaw as well as the land at Cuerden recently bought for
development are both strategic sites for employment, creating 1000's of jobs.
Dr Bulvinder Michael, added: “Chorley Career and Sixth form Academy will help manage this
demand for school places in Chorley in addition to providing the only post-16 provision. The
strategic employment sites and the thousands of potential jobs will attract people to move to the
Chorley area. They are also more likely to come here if there is a good choice of schools to match
the already highly regarded primary schools.
“The Academy will be able to play a wider role in matching skills and jobs because we will be
focussing on preparing our young people for the world of work.
“We need to see the bigger picture and focus on what is good for Chorley, our residents, our young
people and our businesses in the long term.”