Plans for up to 250 homes on the site of a former quarry in Carnforth have been rejected by councillors.
The application was for a large scale development on the site of at the Lundsfield Quarries site, off Kellet Road.
Lancaster City Council planning officers had recommended the scheme by approved, but councillors sitting on the planning committee went against the advice, and refused permission.
Objectors to the plans included Carnforth Football Club, who claimed the development would threaten the viability of improved football facilities in the area.
There were also concerns the plans failed to consider reopening a nearby Lancaster Canal marina, as well as worries about increased traffic.
Government agency Homes England bought the land after developer Redrow Homes failed to deliver an earlier scheme some years ago.
The 29-acre site covers the former Lodge Quarry Works bordering the canal south of Carnforth town centre. The football club’s ground, Quarry Park, is on the northern edge of the site.
Neil Wakeman, from Carnforth Rangers FC, said: “We have real concerns for the incompatibility of football activities with this proposed housing development. This would threaten the viability of improved football facilities in the area.
“A significant shortfall of playing pitches in the Carnforth area has already been identified in Lancaster City Council local plans.
‘’Rather than building housing around the existing football ground, we believe all proposals should be considered holistically – together with the community’s sport and footballing needs. Plans for the district should facilitate the expansion of football facilities.”
Carnforth Town Council had also objected, claiming there had been poor consultation with the community, issues with traffic congestion and feared the football club would face complaints about disturbance from future residents.
The Homes England plan included demolition of some existing buildings to build new homes, access and infrastructure. It also proposed a car and coach park for Carnforth Rangers.
Lancaster City Council planning officers made recommendations include having a football club car park with at least 58 spaces and two coach spaces, with long-term security of tenure for the club, and a contribution by the developers for other sports amenities elsewhere.
Also recommended were affordable homes, new traffic signals on Kellet Road and the developer making a bus service contribution of £500,000.
Upon being put to the vote, 10 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with 4 against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair of the committee declared the proposal to have been carried.
The application was refused as in the committee’s view, the proposal would cause unacceptable biodiversity harm through the substantial loss of the site’s Biological Heritage Site, including valued priority habitats, invertebrate assemblages, and extensive woodland.
They said these habitats contribute significantly to local green and blue infrastructure.
The further stated that the mitigation offered is unconvincing and fails to show that these losses would be adequately compensated. The environmental harm was judged to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the scheme’s benefits.
Carnforth woman tells of weight loss journey ahead of new Morecambe slimming group launch
Park and Ride bus services to Lancaster city centre to reduce
WATCH and LISTEN: Walking with sheep as mayor revives ancient tradition at Lancaster farm
Lancaster University professor is new President of the Royal Astronomical Society
Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
