A decision to refuse permission to build 108 homes on land at Galgate has been upheld by a government inspector.
The scheme by Wainhomes (North West) Limited proposed up to 108 dwellings at land to the west of Highland Brow.
In March 2023 the city council refused the outline planning application on seven grounds, including highway impact, ecological impacts and flooding concerns.
Wainhomes appealed against the decision and a public inquiry was held over two weeks in February and March 2024. Following the inquiry, the Government’s planning inspector, Katie McDonald, noted that there was an acute shortage of housing in the area, including affordable housing, and that this was a material consideration during the appeal.
The inspector was also persuaded that the development would deliver some off-site highway works that, in her opinion, would be beneficial. But the applicant failed to satisfy concerns regarding flooding, particularly a requirement that new housing development should be directed to sites that are sequentially preferable in terms of flood risk.
This, said the inspector, was “of overriding substantial weight, given that there could be other sites that are sequentially preferable to develop that would avoid flood risk”. The inspector concluded that the matter was sufficient to outweigh the “totality of matters weighing in favour of the proposal”.
Councillor Sandra Thornberry, chair of the Planning and Regulatory Committee, welcomed the decision and the clarity provided by the inspector regarding developers’ obligations concerning flood risk.
“The city council was of the view that this housing development was unacceptable for a combination of reasons,” she said.
“I’m pleased that the inspector’s conclusions on flood risk were so explicit, and it is equally pleasing that her comments echo the professional opinion of our planning officers and of the members of the Planning Regulatory Committee. I would advise all developers to take note of the inspector’s conclusions regarding flood risk.”
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
Mayor of Lancaster launches children's Christmas card competition
Councillor loses her seat for not attending meetings for six months
Firefighters attend two call-outs for vehicle fires in Lancaster area
Lancaster youth charity announces new CEO
LISTEN: Lancaster singer-songwriter tells how music saved her life
Warning after youths try to use fake £20 notes in Lancaster shops
LISTEN: Beyond Radio presenter talks about living with a visible difference at Halloween
Firefighters called to outbuilding fire in Morecambe
Appeal after death of badly injured puppy found in cage at Lancaster riverside
LISTEN: Beyond Bear locked up as 'Jail and Bail' raises thousands for Lancaster hospice
Residents invited to attend Remembrance Sunday services across Lancaster district
Payphone on Lancaster street stages photo exhibition as its last hurrah
Residents to help create new remembrance display for Morecambe train station
Plans go in for 'phase 2' of housing development at village near Carnforth
Illegal cigarettes and vapes valued at £3,000 seized from Lancaster shop
