New flats will be built at a Lancaster sheltered housing complex after councillors spoke about the "desperate need" for help for elderly and disabled people.
The four new one-bedroom flats will be built at the Alder Grove cul-de-sac on the Marsh in Lancaster, where there are currently 53 sheltered bungalows.
Alder Grove is one of the largest such housing schemes in the district and is owned and operated by Lancaster City Council.
The plans were approved by the council's planning regulatory committee, a group of elected councillors, at a meeting on Monday.
They voted in favour of the scheme, although council planning officers had recommended it should be refused because the housing lies in a recognised flood risk zone.
"It is considered unlikely that there are no other suitable sites within the district that are in areas that are at a lower risk of flooding," said a pre-meeting council report.
"As such, the proposal represents an unacceptable form of development, classified as more vulnerable to flood risk within an area defined as having a high probability of flooding."
Councillor Mandy Bannon, Green ward councillor for Marsh (pictured below), spoke in favour of the plans at Monday's meeting held at Morecambe Town Hall.
She said the new flats would "expand and improve the council's Alder Grove sheltered housing and allow more of our elderly and disabled residents to live independently."
"It seems our planning officers are (recommending) refusing it due to a flaw in the planning system," said Councillor Bannon.
Councillor June Greenwell, Liberal Democrat and a member of the planning committee, also backed the development, saying: "There is an absolutely desperate need for this kind of supported independent living.
"I hope that we will support this development and find a way around the planning regulations."
Councillor Keith Budden, Conservative, said: "If we refuse it, there will be people who think one council department doesn't know what the other is doing.
"If we approve it, they'll say it's because it's a council development. I don't think we should make a decision on this. I would recommend that we defer the item for further discussions."
But Councillor Dave Brookes, of the Green group, said delaying a decision would be "kicking the can down the road" which "doesn't achieve anything".
Councillors then voted on whether they should defer a decision. Only three voted in favour - councillors Budden, Guilding and Bryning. The others, councillors Thornberry, Lenox, Tyldesley, Redfern, Cleet, Thomas, Greenwell, Brookes, Frea, Dennison and King voted against.
Councillor Roger Dennison, of the Morecambe Bay Independents (pictured below), then moved that the plans should be approved.
He said the housing would provide very high benefits to the community, allowing vulnerable people to stay in the area where they currently live.
This, he said, would outweigh concerns over the flood risk.
Councillors then voted unanimously in favour of the plans.
The scheme will see the demolition of an existing manager's house and the building of a new two-storey building of four one-bed flats and a community room and office.
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
