Final plans have been submitted by Ainscough Properties for 470 homes on the site of the former Leyland bus factory and the developers hope it will create a new 'genuine suburb' for the town.

Nigel McGurk, managing director of Ainscough's land and property arm, has drawn similarities between the project and nearby Buckshaw Village.

He said: "Over the course of the last year there has been a lot of intensive work with the council. We didn't want to create a series of cul-de-sacs and have steered away from another typical housing estate. There are no gimmicks.

"There are a lot of similarities to Buckshaw Village with a broad range of house types and an emphasis on a design-led community. The intention is to create an environment to attract families to buy into the area and move through the site."

Mr McGurk explained that Ainscough Ltd had taken the decision to use several housebuilders, including local firms.

Chief planning officer Mike Eastham said the plans will raise expectations in the town and give the public the quality homes they deserve.

"The new plans are bespoke design, with on-site open space and cycle links to the town centre.
"It fits in with the whole regeneration plan for Leyland town centre."

• For more on this story, see this week's Leyland Guardian

What do you think? Email sam.chadderton@lep.co.uk