New homes plan for Lancaster back on table three years after first being given green light
Plans for more than 100 new homes east of Lancaster near the M6 are to go before the city council – despite approval being given for the scheme three years ago.
Proposals by Bellway Homes for 116 new one and two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom bungalows, and two, three and four-bedroom houses, were initially given the green light in February 2023 despite fears about the impact on local landmarks.
Lancaster City Council’s planning committee approved the plans for farmland north of Quernmore Road.
At the time, Lancaster Civic Society, South Lancaster Flood Action Group and Quernmore Parish Council had all raised concerns, including whether the site has been officially earmarked for housing in the council’s local plan, drainage, flooding downstream, road capacity and the impact of extra families on schools and doctors.
Conservation officers also highlighted concerns about the development’s visual impact.
Following approval, there were delays regarding the tenure of the affordable housing units and also the completion of a flood risk sequential test.
The applicant submitted a revised scheme for up to 125 units, which officers were preparing to report back to committee with a recommendation of refusal.
But further negotiation took place last year resulting in the latest scheme, which has been amended with the number of units reduced to 115 in total.
The application is being reported back to the planning committee given the passage of time and changes in policy, including the recent adoption of the Climate Emergency Review of the Local Plan, and also to consider the amended scheme for 115 homes, which was submitted in February.
Officers have recommended that planning permission be granted following the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement within three months of the committee meeting, and subject to conditions, which include provision of 30% affordable housing, a Highway Infrastructure Contribution to the sum of £229,420 towards the Pointer roundabout and the city centre gyratory system, a Travel Plan contribution to the sum of £6,000, provision of on-site open space and equipped play provision, and provision of off-site public open space contributions of £164,625.
The proposals will be heard at a planning committee meeting on Monday April 20.