Developer tries again with Lancs plan

Following refusal in July, VOS has reworked plans for up to 50 homes and care home space for 160 residents in Stalmine.

The application site sits within a wider housing allocation on the A588 Stricklands Lane. It is a seven-acre field on the western side of the road, in the main rural settlement area, sitting immediately south of a housing development currently under construction.

There is also housing to the south and on the other side of Stricklands Lane, while an outline consent is in place for a 65-home development to the north-west.

VOS, which is advised by NJSR Architects, was refused consent in July for a scheme of similar size, a decision it is appealing.

Trevor Bridge Associates is landscape architect on the scheme. Betts Hydro, Sedgwick Associates and transport advisor SCP are also on the professional team.

As with the previous application, VOS is seeking a hybrid consent, covering outline consent for up to 50 homes and full consent for two care homes of 80 bedrooms each.

The two care home buildings, which would form one facility, would be in the west of the site away from the main road. In the previous application, the care home was on the main road frontage, while there were two access points into the site – this has been reduced to one.

As with the previous iteration, the proposal has met with resistance: 119 letters of objection have been filed, along with objections from Stalmine Parish Council and Preesall Town Council.

Planning officers recommend approval for both parts. The care scheme is dependent on a Section 106 agreement to secure financial contributions towards healthcare provision, while the homes should go ahead with contributions to health and education, as well as providing 30% affordable housing on site.