Moss homes plan is refused by Blackpool Council planners

The application had sought permission for the detached homes with garages to be built on land adjacent to 502 Midgeland Road.

But Blackpool Council planners said the scheme “would significantly detract from the open and rural character of the lane and set a damaging precedent.”

A report setting out the reasons for refusal says: “The continued existence of this rural character and function is rooted in the long-standing and successful stance of Blackpool Council in consistently resisting new development proposals.

“Aside from replacement dwellings, no new residential development has been permitted on the Blackpool side of Division Lane in the last 30 years.”

The applicant had proposed to build the houses to a height of one-and-a-half storeys with the first floor built into the roof.

A design statement said “This is so that the general proportions, scale and elevational details are more of a rural vernacular.”

It added the land had been used as paddocks for grazing horses for a number of years and was formerly part of the adjacent Harrisons Farm which is now a private residence.

Previous to that, the site was used as market gardens and before that as farm.

All the farm buildings have been demolished over a number of years.