Blackpool new homes plan is given the go ahead

Councillors had previously deferred making a decision on the application to build the properties on part of the former National Savings site on Preston New Road.

Concerns were raised the development did not provide enough green space and was over-intensive.

But at a meeting of the Planning Committee on Tuesday, the application by Rowland Homes was approved by six votes to three.

The committee heard the developer could reduce the number of proposed new homes by three to provide more green land, but this would mean the loss of a contribution of £125,000 towards improving council amenities elsewhere.

Susan Parker, head of development control at the council, said while the developer could provide small areas of open space on the proposed estate “more would be gained from using the money to upgrade space at Lawson Road.”

Councillors were also told the density of the estate “was very comparable to sites already given permission”.

Concerns had also been raised about the lack of affordable housing included in the scheme.

But Jennifer Beardsall, representing Rowland Homes, said nearly half the site would be mews and semi-detached homes which, along with the Government’s Help to Buy scheme, would “help meet the needs of people on lesser incomes.”

She added quality housing would also attract skilled residents “to assist in the regeneration of the town.”

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

Although the committee approved the application, it must still go to the secretary of state for final agreement because it is a departure from the council’s local plan which had designated the site for employment use.

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