Blackpool luxury homes plans are creating 'rich-poor divide'

Planning officers had recommended councillors approve the proposal by Rowland Homes to build the properties on part of the former National Savings site on Preston New Road.

But members of the Planning Committee said the layout was over intensive and not enough open space would be provided.

There were also concerns over the lack of affordable housing with a member of the public, representing objectors to the plan, warning the development has created a “rich-poor divide”.

Rowland Homes has already completed the bulk of 115 houses being built on the northern part of the site.

Objector Chris Daley told the meeting, held on Zoom: “On one side we have the Mereside estate which is deprived, with significant social issues.

“On the other side of Preston New Road is a luxury development where the cheapest house price is over £160,000.”

He said retaining the land for business use, which it is currently allocated for in Blackpool’s planning policies, would provide employment opportunities and better prospects for residents “for generations to come.”

Jennifer Beardsall, the agent representing Rowland Homes, said a drive to find potential businesses for the site had failed, but that construction itself would bring jobs to the area.

Coun Debbie Coleman said the site was too small for 90 houses, while Coun Jo Farrell warned “some of the houses do not meet national space standards and there is no affordable housing.”

Coun David O’Hara told the meeting: “We are a town which needs lots of low cost housing as a lot of residents can’t afford this type of housing.”

The council’s head of planning Susan Parker said the developer believed the site was only financially viable if at least 90 houses were built.

She added: “The land has been designated for 10 to 15 years as employment land and nothing has come forward, which is why we believe it should be brought forward for housing.”

It was agreed to defer a decision until the next meeting of the committee to allow planning officers to negotiate with the applicant over reducing the number of houses proposed, and to bring back a set of reasons for refusal if necessary.