Happy ending for Story in Lancaster

The housebuilder successfully won over the city council’s planning committee to secure a unanimous vote of approval for its proposals to build 44 homes off Ashton Road.

Lancaster city councillors debated the Story Homes’ project on Monday, following a site visit the week before. In the end, 10 councillors voted in favour and three abstained.

The 44 homes will be constructed on a 4.7-acre greenfield site, with access from a new priority junction.

Of the 44 homes, 13 are to be designated affordable – equating to a 30% affordable housing provision. Six of the affordable homes will be for rent, while seven will be set aside for shared ownership.

The houses themselves will be a mix of terraced, semi-detached, and detached properties. There will be eight homes with two bedrooms, 22 homes with three, 9 with four, 2 with five, and 3 with six.

There are 19 homes that will be built to M4 (2) standards, meaning they are accessible and adaptable for residents who may have additional needs. Another four are to be built to M4 (3) standards, meaning they are designed with wheelchair users in mind.

Discussions with the city council had led to the project receiving a few tweaks, including a reduction in the number of homes proposed from 45 to 44. An earlier version had also included a parking court, but now parking is provided to residents in the form of driveways and garages.

Regarding open space, there is a natural play area proposed, as well as a landscaped area around the Lancaster Canal that borders the site.

Asteer is the planning consultant for the scheme. The project team includes Urban Green, Curtins, Coopers, RS Acoustic Engineering, TPS, Westwood, and E3P.

To learn more about the application search reference 23/00283/FUL on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal.