MADE sets out 1,300-home vision for Carnforth
The joint venture between Homes England, Lloyds Banking Group, and Barratt Redrow has set its sights on 200 acres between Lancaster Canal and Back Lane, making the case for why it should be removed from the Green Belt.
MADE Partnership’s early-stage proposals include employment space provision, an ecological corridor, improved facilities for Carnforth Rangers Football Club, and walking and cycling routes – in addition to the approximately 1,300 homes.
MADE estimates that its plans could generate nearly £40m a year in economic output for the town, purely from the commercial element.
Kate McClean, head of planning at MADE, described Carnforth as having enormous potential.
“Our vision recognises its strengths whilst responding to some of the challenges facing the area, including housing affordability, population change and the need to support the vitality of the town centre and long-term economic growth,” she said.
“This is about much more than new homes. We want to create a sustainable, landscape-led neighbourhood that supports local jobs, provides high-quality green spaces, strengthens community facilities and delivers homes for people at every stage of life.
“Above all, we want to help secure a vibrant future for Carnforth and future generations.”
IDP Architects and Lichfields worked with MADE on its vision document for the site, which sits south-east of Carnforth. This newly published document will change over the coming months as a result of public consultations and work with Lancaster City Council, with a delivery statement due to be published next summer.
If MADE is successful in getting the site within Lancaster City Council’s updated local plan, then an outline planning application for the urban extension could be submitted in spring 2029 and consented by that autumn.
MADE’s proposals would help increase the city council’s housing land supply, which currently sits at just 2.8 years, rather than the required five years.
The developer is already in talks with Carnforth Town Council about its project.
A spokesperson for the town council said: “Carnforth is a town that people are proud to call home, and we want to see it continue to prosper and grow in a way that benefits both current and future generations.
“We welcome the opportunity to explore ideas that could bring affordable homes, good jobs, better transport links, improved community facilities and environmental enhancements to the area. Growth is important, but it needs to be carefully planned and delivered in a way that works for the community.”
They added: “This is the start of what is likely to be a long conversation, and we look forward to seeing how the proposals develop over time. We are committed to ensuring that local residents’ views are listened to and remain central to the discussion throughout the process.”
MADE is behind similar largescale housing concepts in Tameside and Cheshire East: the 2,150-home Godley Green and 1,500-home Handforth Garden Village.
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