Green light on the cards as plans for 158 new homes in Carnforth are set to be discussed

Proposals to build new houses on land between Brewers Barn and the A6070 North Road were previously granted planning permission in 2020, but permission later expired before work began.

Applicant Robert Hughes has now submitted a new hybrid application to Lancaster City Council to build 71 homes, along with a further outline application for up to 87 homes. Plans include public open space provision and infrastructure.

The plans have been reduced from an original 195 homes.

Lancaster City Council planning officers have recommended that the plans be approved, subject to conditions which include funding towards outdoor sports facilities and young persons' provision.

The proposed site is a 7.4 hectare greenfield site on the edge of Carnforth, between existing homes to the east (Whernside Grove and Browfoot Close) and the A6070 to the west. The site is around 1km east of the town centre.

A council report says: "Given the significant undersupply of housing within the district, it is considered that the benefits of the proposal, in connection with both the full and outline application, do outweigh the harm caused through the loss of open countryside, the localised moderate adverse landscape and visual effects and the design and amenity concerns set out in this report."

Houses would be built in a range of styles and sizes ranging from one-bed apartments to four-bed family homes.

As part of the full planning application, 30% (21) of the 71 houses are proposed as affordable homes.

Carnforth Town Council has raised objections to the scheme, centred around concerns with pedestrian access, emergency access points and road safety issues.

However, an earlier objection by County Highways has been withdrawn, subject to contributions and conditions to support sustainable travel and mitigate the impacts of the development, including a £12,000 Travel Plan contribution and £15,000 in Right of Way improvements to footpaths.

Lancaster City Council has consulted with neighbouring residents on five separate occasions, with the most recent consultation in February. The council received a total of 37 objections to the scheme.

Lancaster City Council's planning committee will discuss the plans at Morecambe Town Hall on Monday October 28.