Plan for 'prison block' flats without front doors "fills me with horror" says councillor

Monday, 28 February 2022 15:16

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A city councillor has spoken out against "horrendous" plans to remove front doors from new housing in Heysham.

Councillor Cary Matthews said the idea of removing seven front doors from a planned 42-apartment development in Bold Street "fills me with horror".

Lancaster City Council planning committee voted by a majority in favour of the plans at a meeting on Monday.

But Councillor Matthews, who voted against the proposal, said: "I think this is horrendous.

"It's a step back for people's well-being, and what we are trying to provide for homes.

"I'm really upset about it.

"This site has been left sitting there for years and years and years. They say they are finally going to build on it, then they come up with this. It fills me with horror."

Councillor Tim Dant said he agreed with Councillor Matthews but would vote in favour.

"I agree it does look a bit like a student block or a prison block, but I can see it's very practical," he said.

"We've lost the front doors, but this is affordable housing that's needed."

Planning permission was granted for the Bold Street scheme in 2020.

But applicants PlaceFirst had gone back to Lancaster City Council, asking for permission to remove seven front doors in favour of a single communal entrance off Back Winterdyne Terrace close to the junction with Bold Street.

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