Controversial scheme for 330 new homes in Poulton set to go before planners

The proposals, which are earmarked for a large greenfield area close to Woodhouse Farm south of Blackpool Road, have attracted an number of objections and when the plans originally came before planners on December 2, they had to be deferred to allow more time to consider them.

Among the concerns are the impact of the development on Blackpool Road, which already has issues of congestion at peak times of the day.

But there are additional issues with the scheme, including the fact that it is earmarked for land not allocated for such development in Wyre’s Local Plan, adopted in 2019.

It is one of four major housing developments proposed for this part of Poulton which would see 630 new homes being built in the town.

But this application is proving the most controversial as it does not form part of the council’s masterplan for the area.

The applicant for the scheme is De Pol Associates on behalf of land owner Blackpool Council, but because the site comes under Wyre’s boundary it needs to be dealt with by the latter authority.

Blackpool is keen to press ahead after being granted £3.15 million from the Government to unlock a number of sites it can use for new homes.

Objectors also point to concerns about the further loss of greenfield land should the development go ahead.

Among those who oppose the plans are Wyre MP Ben Wallace, Coun Alf Clempson ( Lancashire County Council member for Poulton-leFylde,), Coun Lesley McKay (Wyre member for Tithebarn ward) and Poulton Historical and Civic Society.

However, the development is being recommended for approval by planning officers.

Minutes from the December 2 session state: “Members of the committee discussed additional concerns regarding the causation of traffic queues on Blackpool Road from Carleton Crossing and the impact of traffic on the amenity of residents of neighbouring properties along Blackpool Road and other users of Blackpool Road.

“After consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Peter Le Marinel, seconded by Councillor Phil Orme, and a decision was taken that the application be deferred and brought back to Planning Committee – contrary to the officer’s recommendation.”

Earlier last year, Alexis De Pol, the managing director at the planning consultancy De Pol Associates, said: “While the application site is not within an allocated area, it lies immediately adjacent to one and has been identified by the local plan examination inspector as sustainably located.”

The decision to defer the matter was to allow more consideration by the applicant and Lancashire County Council about what highway mitigation was being proposed to alleviate potential traffic and road issues around the site.

The plans were initially brought before the planning committee at the request of Coun McKay and because the application proposes a significant housing development on land not included in the Local Plan.

A site visit took place in December to enable councillors to understand the proposal beyond the plans submitted and the photos taken by the case officer.