Applethwaite wins Fylde bungalow appeal

The Planning Inspectorate’s decision to approve plans for 45 bungalows for over-55s in Wrea Green will likely anger the 150 people who objected to the development.

Applethwaite Homes, part of Eric Wright Group, lodged plans for the Mill Lane development in 2023 and met with refusal a year later.

Fylde Council said the scheme was not located in an area earmarked for development and that it would be “erosive and unsympathetic” in relation to its rural location, among five reasons for refusal.

However, following a hearing in early June, planning inspector L N Hughes has allowed the appeal, agreeing with Applethwaite’s view that there is a shortage of age-restricted bungalows in the area.

Read the inspector’s full report 

While accepting the development would “not be in a suitable location” in relation to the council’s settlement strategy, the inspector said there is “compelling evidence” of the need for more bungalows for the elderly and that Applethwaite’s scheme “directly” meets that need.

In addition, Fylde cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, which gave the appellant the upper hand at the inquiry.