Lancaster set to refuse 70 houses
Potential harm to valued landscape could be the downfall of WVC Lancaster’s proposals for the greenfield plot off Ashton Road at the city council’s planning committee meeting on Monday.
WVC is seeking outline permission to deliver up to 70 houses on the eight-acre Lancaster site.
Proposals would see 30% affordable housing provided.
Architect RPS designed the scheme, which would also create a T-junction off Ashton Road for access to the development.
Concerns have been raised regarding harm to the landscape despite proposals including provision for almost three acres of green open space, featuring a play area and picnic benches.
Dan Hay, planning agent at RPS, said: “A landscape and visual appraisal was submitted with the application which found that the proposal would cause no undue harm to the landscape character and would in fact enhance the canal side character and settlement edge and create a softer transitional edge between the urban area and countryside.”
Now vacant, the site was formerly home to a livery business and riding school and currently includes small paddocks and stable buildings.
The project team includes landscape architect PGLA, environmental consultant Envirotech, and arboricultural consultant Jon Oliver. M & P Gadsden is advising on flood risk. Curtins is advising on transport.
Hay said: “As an applicant team, we have worked closely with the LPA to overcome all technical issues and are delighted to have received support from all statutory consultees, including the canal and rivers trust who have commented that the proposed public open space provision ‘provides a positive engagement and animation of the waterway corridor’.
“The applicant has committed to providing all requested Section 106 financial contributions towards improving local schools and for improvements to the pitch and associated changing facilities at Royal Albert Fields”, he continued.
“In addition, the scheme is committed to providing the policy-compliant affordable housing provision.”
To find out more about the plans, search for application number 22/00885/OUT on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal.
Never really could understand “harm” when it comes to British landscape. It’s a completely man-made/altered environment, and so often an ecological desert of grazing land. Seems a perfectly reasonable proposal which refusal will likely cost the council on the inevitable appeal.
By Sceptic
I’m sure if refused it’ll be another Appeal against Lancaster’s decision. They have little housing supply and whilst this may have a landscape designation the planning balance may outweigh it .
By Kay Osrains