U-turn over homes plan

Kensington Developments saw off opposition from local firm Helical Technology to win approval for phase two of their Lytham Quays development.

But, in a dramatic U-turn, the company now appears to have withdrawn from the project.

Redrow Homes (Lancashire) today told The Gazette they have an agreement to acquire land at the site from Kensington, which has outline planning permission for 102 homes and 1,175sq metres of employment space.

They have now submitted two planning applications for Fylde Council which, if approved, would allow them to press ahead with building on the site.

And if the council agrees to their design for the development, work there could begin later this summer.

A spokesman for the firm said: “We have an agreement to acquire land at Lytham Quays.

“And we have submitted a reserved matters planning application with regard to accessing the site and the layout of the development.

“Subject to planning approval work to construct three and four-bedroom family homes from the company’s highly successful New Heritage Collection could start later this summer with apartments and penthouses to follow.”

Helical Technology objected to the estate’s expansion because of fears it would affect their business.

Redrow also confirmed they have acquired land on the development close to the waterfront on land near Dock Road, where they hope to win planning permission to build 10 luxury detached exclusive villas.

It is not clear if Kensington pulling out of phase two of the Lytham Quays development will affect the firm’s other projects.

They hope to build 29 houses and 44 apartments on the former Aegon site in Lytham, in exchange for providing between 22 and 30 affordable properties as part of Lytham Quays phase two.

That application was deferred by councillors back in March and is due to come back before the development control committee at a later date.

Kensington Developments declined to comment on the new proposals.