Campaigners celebrate as 200-homes plan for village fields near Lancaster are refused

Hundreds had raised objections to the Wrenman Homes plan for land to the west of Slyne Road, close to both Slyne-with-Hest and Bolton-le-Sands.

Residents had even taken their fight to Downing Street, delivering three petitions in a bid to block the development.

Councillors meeting on Monday turned down the proposals by a large majority after hearing from several campaigners, with many others packed into the public gallery to watch the proceedings unfold.

Concerns raised included flooding, schools, affordability of the homes, heritage and wildlife.

Peter Yates told the meeting: "This is beautiful countryside and pristine green belt land. It should not be built on. I am 79 years old and have known those fields since I was a boy. For 70 years or so, that land has never been touched."

Local entrepreneur Barrie Wells, owner of Slyne Hall, said: "This plan would totally destroy beautiful green open space for no public benefit whatsoever.”

David Morris, ex-Conservative MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, claimed there had been a 'failure of due diligence' and 'unsound procedures' by council officers.

He also said that 'reclassifying' the land as 'grey belt' rather than green belt was a 'misrepresentation', with grey belt policy still under government consultation until March.

But officers, who had recommended approval, insisted the plan was properly considered against a changing backdrop of government ambitions to get more houses built on land viewed as less important 'grey belt'.

They said the North Lancashire Green Belt was designed to maintain space between major built-up areas, such as Lancaster and Morecambe, rather than automatically block any village development.

Coun Keith Budden said that while he had respect for planning officers, he was 'unconvinced' by their treatment of the fields as 'grey belt'.

Coun Tom Fish said: "This plan proposes the minimum amount of affordable housing seen as acceptable. But what is called 'affordable' is, in reality, still not really affordable, especially to rent.

"Also, the links planned for cycles and walkers are poor. People in these new homes would be overwhelmingly reliant on cars."

Laurie Lane from Lane Town Planning, speaking in favour of the application, said: “This complies with guidance for allowing developments with affordable homes which would be a huge public benefit.”

Lancashire County Council had said primary schools would be able to accommodate children from the new homes, he said.

He added: “Overall, any harm caused by this development would not outweigh the public benefit of new homes.”

Coun Catherine Potter supported the plan, saying: "We desperately need more homes and affordable homes.

"I deeply empathise with neighbours who object but this is currently agricultural land with zero public access."

Speaking afterwards, Bolton-le-Sands resident Glenn Fothergill said: "I was expecting the plan to be approved so I'm delighted that common sense seems to have prevailed. It's a big relief for everyone."

And Peter Wood said: "I'm pleased at the decision. I felt councillors were really put on the spot in having to decide this and they listened to the arguments from all sides."

The scheme is now expected to go to an appeal examined by the planning inspectorate.

A statement on behalf of the Save Lapwing Fields campaigners said: “We were delighted that the planning committee upheld democracy and the council slogan of promoting City Coast and Countryside.

“Homes on our local green belt land would be of no realistic benefit to anyone. The district needs truly affordable homes, this location was never going to contribute to that need and the harms to the open countryside, heritage, community and red listed birds outweighed claimed benefits.

"The result has I feel strongly restored local faith in councillors that were elected by the district residents.”