Green light for 44 new homes on land close to Lancaster city centre

Story Homes are now able to build 44 homes on undeveloped agricultural land on the eastern side of Ashton Road.

The scheme includes a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties, including 13 affordable homes representing 30% affordable housing provision.

The affordable housing comprises six affordable rented units and seven shared ownership units.

Access will be via Ashton Road, with the development served by an internal estate road and private/shared drives.

The proposal includes off-street parking provision, visitor parking, cycle storage and electric vehicle charging, with a total of 105 parking spaces, including three visitor spaces.

The scheme has been revised from earlier submissions for a 45-dwelling scheme with reduced affordable provision.

The 44 properties will have a mix of eight two-bedroom homes, 22 three-bedroom homes, nine four-bedroom homes, two five-bedroom homes and three six-bedroom homes.

The council received 16 letters of objection from the public, including concerns over the amount of affordable housing, and that the amended plans do not address previous objections or key concerns.

There were are also fears the scheme would harm the semi-rural character of the area and contribute to the urbanisation of the landscape, as well as concerns about impacts on the setting of the canal and surrounding countryside.

In addition, Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Parish Council raised objections to the plans, and Lancaster Canal Trust, the Canal and River Trust and Lancaster Vision, along with tree preservation and conservation officers, also expressed concerns.

The officer’s report concluded that overall, the proposal was not without harm, and the residual concerns relating to landscape, design, trees, non-designated heritage assets and housing mix should not be understated.

However, some of these harms are localised and will be mitigated to an acceptable degree.

On balance, it was considered that the issues did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the substantial benefits of delivering market and affordable housing, open space, biodiversity enhancements and infrastructure contributions in the context of a significant housing land supply shortfall.

A legal agreement for the scheme will secure 30% affordable housing, a Highway Infrastructure Contribution to the sum of £345,488 (towards the Pointer Roundabout, Hala Road signalised junction, Lancaster City Centre Gyratory, Lancaster-wide traffic management, Ashton Road and Ashford Road), a Travel Plan contribution to the sum of £6,000, provision of on-site open space and equipped play provision, provision of off-site public open space contributions of £75,939 for improvements to changing facilities and the football pitch at Royal Albert Playing Fields, and a Young Persons Provision contribution towards a new half multi-use games area at the Royal Albert Football site.

A management company will also be set up, which includes management and maintenance of all landscaping, unadopted roads, lighting and drainage infrastructure and on-site open space.