The next step in proposals to build new council homes on the site of the former Skerton High School in Lancaster is underway with the submission of an application for planning permission.
Lancaster City Council has put forward a scheme for 135 new homes as part of its long-term ambition to provide more affordable housing for its communities.
Subject to securing planning permission, the design proposals reimagine the former school site in a boldly presented scheme of modern apartments and housing that reflect the heritage of the area.
At the heart of the proposals are two sets of new apartments, at the centre of which is a large square providing shared amenity space to encourage a sense of community and to provide a space where residents can meet and socialise.
The central square is complemented by a lawn to provide a place for people to gather with cafe style seating around the edge, with an additional community area on the ground floor of one of the apartment buildings providing an indoor space.
Behind the apartment blocks will be three friendly terraces of two, three, and four bedroom houses, with reduced traffic flow and play space for children. All of the buildings have been designed to create highly insulated homes to keep the amount of energy required to heat them to a minimum. Solar panels on all of the flat and south facing roofs will allow renewable energy to be generated on site.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said: “These ambitious plans represent a once in a generation opportunity to transform the lives of people in this area of Lancaster with new, modern homes that benefit from the latest energy efficiency measures.
“We’ve placed the community at the heart of the proposals and we’re grateful to all those who helped us shape the plans through the many engagement events we held.
“Many of the suggestions people had about the development, such as providing areas where residents can grow their own food, have been incorporated into the final design.
“If approved, these plans will breathe new life into this area of Lancaster with a development that’s fit for the future.”
Additional facilities provided as part of the proposals include children’s play facilities and two new football pitches, complete with changing facilities for players and officials.
The two rows of cherry trees that line the entrance way and frame the playing fields at the front of the site will be retained as part of the proposals, details of which are available to view at Lancaster.gov.uk/planning-portal and typing in the application number 24/00509/FUL.
Lancaster resident's shock as tree falls on house during Storm Boelo
Tour de France comes to Lancaster district: Full route breakdown
Serial burglar jailed for seven years after spree of Lancaster break-ins
Storm boards on Morecambe Prom ahead of "exceptionally high tides" and strong winds
Councillor apologises and admits "we got things wrong" over Blue Badge parking survey
Heysham 2 apprentice scoops national award
Former MP David Morris officially selected as Conservative candidate for Morecambe and Lunesdale
Extra staff and extended opening hours among plans as Lancaster hospital prepares for winter
What's On: Our Halloween and bonfire/fireworks events guide
Lancaster champion calls for more respect for businesses after spate of youth crime
Lancaster MP "disappointed" in Government decision on Jackdaw gas field
Morecambe announced as key part of Lancashire stage of Tour de France
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
LISTEN: Lancaster prisoners carve penguins for Christmas trail with a difference
EXCLUSIVE: Massive Wagons to headline Lancaster Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
Morecambe mum celebrates podium success at Ms Great Britain Classic
LISTEN: Inside transformation of historic former Morecambe pub and hotel
Heysham car sales boss "massively disappointed" after losing appeal over ex-pub land
LISTEN: Photographer meets 'Alternative Kids' 46 years on for emotional reunion
Council deal with more than 4,000 fly-tipping incidents in Lancaster district since start of year
