BXB Thornton revamps 130-home plan to be fully affordable
In a bid to change Wyre Council’s mind, the developer has agreed to sell its Fleetwood Road North project to housing provider Places for People if planning permission can be secured.
Wyre rejected BXB Thornton’s proposals for a 130-home neighbourhood in Thornton Cleveleys in February. This refusal went against officer recommendations, with concerns raised regarding the loss of trees on site and the number of affordable homes.
BXB Thornton is a joint venture between brownfield land specialist BXB and developer Promenade Estates. The JV’s application returns to Wyre’s planning committee tomorrow.
Once again, it is recommended to be approved – but now the project has an added emphasis on biodiversity enhancement, as well as an increase in the number of affordable homes from nine to 130.
Gary Goodman, director of BXB, said: “[Officers] have recommended the scheme for approval twice, but local representatives wanted us to think again on a couple of issues and we were pleased to do so.
“These are tricky times for homeowners, with a measure of economic uncertainty and rising mortgage rates, so delivering new affordable rental homes will provide a socially valuable route for families seeking high-quality homes.”
Nilam Buchanan, regional managing director for Places for People, added: “We have a responsibility to build new affordable housing, so we’re going to keep going so that our communities have homes they can be proud of.
“This site in Thornton Cleveleys would be one of our first directly built developments in the North West, where we will be delivering much-needed homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.”
Plans form part of BXB Thornton’s wider vision for the site, having acquired the land from Sainsbury’s for £2m in February 2021. Last week, the JV secured consent for the creation of two retail units there.
Nexus Planning is the planning consultant for the residential scheme. Also on the project team is transport consultant Curtins, landscape architect Urban Green, and ecological consultant ERAP.
To learn more about the plans, search for application number 23/00215/OULMAJ on Wyre Council’s planning portal.
I thought (maybe incorrectly) that a planning consent can’t be specific to one person or company, and as such, surely the story here is that the developer is simply committing to it being a 100% affordable scheme?
By Ardy
No more house building in Thornton Cleveleys. The area is already overpopulated and the infrastructure at breaking point.
By Anonymous
The infrastructure isn’t in place to keep up with the influx of people and houses.
By Steve
I think Places For People is mainly affordable homes and all profits go back into the company.
By Eric
Obviously will be passed today
By Anonymous
Moore Green land gone and 200 more car’s sad
By Brian
I’d hardly say this was particularly great as a green piece of land. There’s a need for affordable housing so I welcome this proposal for Places For People.
By SW