Big plans to build 49 retirement flats in Thornton are given green light

49 one and two-bedroom apartments will be built on the former Ashdell Nurseries site on Victoria Road East, near King George's playing fields and Marsh Mill Village.

Council bosses agreed to grant planning permission for the proposals to develop the apartments in January 2015. Building plans by Manchester-based company Day Architectural were submitted, and were approved on Wednesday.

A design and access statement submitted by Day Architectural said: "The retirement apartments site is well served by robust public transport links to Cleveleys, Thornton, Fleetwood, Blackpool, and beyond, predominately via the bus network with further connections via the tram and rail networks.

"Within 800m of the retirement apartments site, access is available to retail, leisure and health facilities, including playing fields and bowling greens. This mix of modes provides opportunities for mobility without depending upon privately owned vehicles which result in congestion and the creation of environmental and health harming emissions.

"Consideration has been given to the above and the requirements of the proposed users and this has resulted in a proposed scheme offer of 26 car parking spaces."

There will also be a bin store and two communal gardens on the site.