Homes plan stalls over Lancaster roundabout traffic fears

A new housing development in crop fields outside Lancaster has been given the thumbs down by council planners.
One of the fields near Ashton Road in Lancaster where Story Homes would like to build houses. Credit Google.One of the fields near Ashton Road in Lancaster where Story Homes would like to build houses. Credit Google.
One of the fields near Ashton Road in Lancaster where Story Homes would like to build houses. Credit Google.

Officers recommended that plans for up to 125 homes on agricultural land off Ashton Road should be refused.

This comes after Lancaster City Council received 63 letters objecting to the Story Homes scheme.

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Planners said the new houses would add extra traffic pressure to the Boot and Shoe junction and the Pointer Roundabout which “already operates over capacity”.

They also said new gateways to the site would “urbanise” the Lancaster countryside and its remote location would make it difficult to get to the closest shops, schools and workplaces.

Story Homes want to build on two pieces of land bordered by Lancaster Canal, Carr Lane and Ashton Road.

Residents complained saying the houses would ruin the character of the area and be unsuitable due to blind bends and people speeding on Ashton Road.

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The Lancaster Canal Trust also objected, saying the scheme is “not a logical extension to the urban area”.

The Tree Protection Officer raised concerns about the possible loss of hedgerows and a bank of large trees.

Environmental Health, United Utilities and Natural England were among those who raised no objections.

The developers proposed that 40% of the homes be affordable housing, half rented and half shared ownership.

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As part of their application, Story Homes has offered to pay towards a £135,000 surfacing of the canal towpath and help pay for a bus service in the area as the current Lancaster to Knott End service is expected to end or have a vastly reduced service due to Lancashire County Council subsidy cuts.

Councillors will make a final decision on the plans when they meet next Monday at Lancaster Town Hall at 10.30am.

Also at the meeting, the planning committee will make decisions on a 23-home scheme on land north of Royal Oak Meadow, Hornby, a 14-home scheme on land north of New Quay Road, Lancaster, and a planned three-storey block of flats behind the Queens Hotel in Carnforth.