Steven Abbott overturns Blackpool flats decision

Independent town planning practice Steven Abbott Associates has won a planning appeal for a 26 two-bedroom apartment scheme in North Beach, Blackpool.

The application by private developer Michael Robinson was initially refused by Blackpool Borough Council as it was felt the scheme would prejudice the comprehensive development and regeneration of the area.

The refusal was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds that the proposed North Beach Plan at the centre of the Borough's refusal does not currently exist, and that the proposed development is not detrimental to the comprehensive development or regeneration of the area.

Steven Abbott argued that with planning permission previously acquired for the development of a six-storey block of holiday apartments on the site, the scheme is fully in line with local action plans to steer the area towards housing-led regeneration. The development will include the appropriate provision for affordable housing.

The inspector also endorsed the case put forward on behalf of the applicant that the council's approach to open space provision does not reflect up-to-date national planning guidance as the council had not undertaken detailed local assessments or set appropriate local standards. On that basis the suggestion of a condition requiring a developer contribution towards open space provision was rejected.

The scheme architect is Firth Associates.