Decision due on controversial new 103-home development in countryside between Blackpool and Poulton
“The development for 100% affordable housing to meet an identified local need would be acceptable in principle.”
Controversial proposals to build 103 affordable homes on green space land bordering Poulton and Blackpool – with almost 500 objections lodged – are to be ruled on by planners next week.
The application was submitted to Wyre planners on behalf of developers Wain Homes, who want to build the new homes on land off Normoss Road, Marina Avenue and Benedict Drive, which is classed as Poulton.
Now, councillors on Wyre Council’s planning committee will consider the application on Wednesday, November 4.
The scheme is being recommended for approval by the case planning officer, who cites the fact that the scheme is one which offers “100 per cent affordable house”.
However, approximately 480 public representations of objection have been received, citing multiple issues such as loss of Green Belt, the effects of urban sprawl, loss of a vital buffer between Blackpool and Poulton, loss of habitat (field, hedgerows, mature trees) for birds, hedgehogs, foxes, rabbits, hares, amphibians, deer and other wildlife, as well as traffic safety concerns.
Pressure on local infrastructure and lack of school and GP places have also been raised, as well as concerns about the concentration of social housing in one area.
There have been three letters in support of the proposals, including an observation that “the requirement for affordable housing presents an ‘exceptional circumstance’ given the lack of affordable housing in Wyre.”
An Affordable Housing Statement, prepared by Tetlow case King Planning on behalf of Wain Homes, stated: “The proposed development comprises 100 per cent on-site affordable housing provision.
“The proposed tenure split will be 70 percent affordable housing for rent (71 dwellings) and 30 percent affordable home ownership (31 dwellings.)
“The proposed affordable housing will be secured by way of a Section 106 planning obligation. Providing a significant boost in the delivery of housing, and in particular affordable housing, is a key priority for the Government.”
The application also includes a Flood Risk Assessment and a Transport Assessment Issue.
Lancashire County Highways says it has no objection to the proposals.
The planning officer’s recommendation is to grant full planning permission for the erection of 103 affordable dwellings and associated works subject to conditions and an appropriate legal mechanism to secure financial contributions towards health care provision, education places and travel planning via a Section 106 (S106) agreement – and to secure on site green infrastructure, 100% onsite affordable housing and biodiversity net gain.
The planning officer concludes: “The development for 100% affordable housing to meet an identified local need would be acceptable in principle. No unacceptable impacts would arise in relation to design, amenity, highway safety, flooding and ecology.
“All other matters have been assessed and, subject to suitably worded conditions, mitigation and financial contributions, would not result in any unacceptable impacts.”
The application, lodged with planners in December last year, is the latest in a string of new housing developments in and around Poulton over recent years, with hundreds of new homes built across the town in the recent years.
In another large scale but unrelated housing project, Blackpool Council has submitted an outline planning application to build up to 99 homes on land off Blackpool Road and The Lane in Carleton and is similarly facing strong local opposition.