Plans for 59 homes near 'dangerous' Lancaster road given thumbs-up

Monday, 28 February 2022 14:57

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Controversial plans for 59 new homes near a busy road in Lancaster have been approved.

Lancaster City Council's planning committee voted by a majority to agree to the new housing scheme near Ashton Road.

But councillors said this was on condition that a deal is done with County Highways to improve the traffic and transport situation in the area.

Some residents have objected to the plans, saying the A588/Ashton Road is "very dangerous with multiple accidents including fatalities".

The planning committee agreed to the scheme, as long as a funding contribution is secured from Lancashire County Council for better bus services and cycle routes in the area.

They also want to see County Highways tackle fears that the narrow road could be blocked by vehicles both during and after the development is built.

Philip Rowland, who lives near the planned development, spoke out against the plans during a meeting at Morecambe Town Hall on Monday.

"Ashton Road is very busy with Heavy Goods Vehicles and we will see more vehicles parked on the side of the road throughout construction and after, through new residents in the area," he said.

"That potential blockage leads me to my objection."

Daniel Ratcliffe, speaking on behalf of the applicant WVC Lancaster Ltd, said the development would provide "much-needed housing".

"We have worked tirelessly to address all matters in a bid to secure consent and start on site as soon as possible," said Mr Ratcliffe.

Councillor Tim Dant, from the planning committee, said: "I'm not very enthusiastic about this development because there is a lack of affordable housing.

"But because it's an allocated (housing) site we really can't refuse it and the developer has tried very hard to make it work."

For more on the scheme see our story here.

To see the full planning report on the proposal see here.