Plans for 116 new houses near former hospital approved after split vote

Monday, 6 March 2023 14:20

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Controversial plans to build 116 new homes near the former Lancaster Moor Hospital have been given the green light after a narrow vote by councillors.

Lancaster City Council planning regulatory committee voted eight to six in favour of granting planning permission for the houses on land near Quernmore Road.

There had been at least 190 objections to the scheme from members of the public.

Residents say the new homes would lead to a loss of green space, impact to the landscape and views, and undermine the quiet character of the area.

There are also worries around possible antisocial behaviour in a new proposed play area, and the capacity of roads and local services to cope with more residents in the area.

Planning officers had recommended the housing scheme be given approval, but some councillors wanted a decision to be delayed to give time for further talks on dealing with possible traffic impact and flood risk.

At a meeting at Morecambe Town Hall on February 27, Green councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox proposed that the principle of the development should be accepted, but the decision deferred for 12 weeks.

Four councillors voted in favour of the proposal with nine against and one abstention.

Councillor Roger Dennison, from the Morecambe Bay Independents, then proposed that the application be approved subject to various conditions and a legal agreement.

This was carried, eight votes to six.

The plans are to build 116 homes with access, landscaping, public open space, an electricity substation, foul water pumping station, sustainable urban drainage and associated infrastructure, on 5.54 hectares of land close to the M6 motorway.

The proposal has been cut down from a previous plan for 151 homes.

The project will see a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom bungalows and two, three and four-bedroom houses built, with 81 homes provided for private sale and 35 affordable homes available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership.

Martyn Earle, Bellway Strategic Land Director for the North, said: “We look forward to work starting at our new site off Quernmore Road once we have finalised the planning agreement for the development.

“Throughout the design process, we have prioritised creating a site that will seamlessly integrate with the area as a natural extension of Lancaster.

“With sustainability also in mind outside the home, we aim to protect green space wherever possible – including existing trees and hedgerows. Likewise, we will enhance pedestrian and cycle routes and promote access to key public transport links.”

For more details on the scheme, see our original story below.