Lancaster approves theatre expansion, rejects homes

The Grand’s plan for its theatre development was approved at Monday’s planning committee meeting, meanwhile a 70-home residential scheme fell foul of the council.

Both decisions followed planning officers’ recommendations.

Lancaster Grand Theatre, St Leonards Gate

Application number: 22/00048/FUL

Lancaster Grand Theatre is set for a redevelopment under plans drawn up by architect 3D Reid.

The grade-two listed building, located on St Leonards Gate, will receive a two-storey extension.

The 4,200 sq ft extension will provide the establishment with a foyer and reception area.

An external plaza will also be built to replace an area of existing tarmac scrub land adjoining the theatre, currently used as a staff car park.

Rydal Engineering, Glade Associates, and ESC are all part of the project team.

Read more about the project.

Land north of Hornby Park School, Melling Road, Hornby 

Application number: 18/01165/HYB

Story Homes’ proposal for a 76-home development located off Fleet Lane and Melling Road was refused.

Lancaster’s planning committee highlighted the negative impacts that the development would have on the landscape and environment.

The proposals were also deemed to fail to provide a safe access route, flood management, or an acceptable level of affordable housing.

The development sought to provide four one-bed, 12 two-bed, 17 three-bed, 36 four-bed, and seven five-bed houses to the area. 

The plans for the 15-acre agricultural site were drawn up by Astle Planning & Design. 

The application sought outline planning permission for a two-storey medical practice to be built on site, which was also refused. 

Read more about the project.

Story Homes was approached for comment.