The development of 200 homes will be built in Skelmersdale despite major objections from neighbours.
West Lancashire Borough Council has approved the new development which forms the second phase of Bellway Homes’ Lathom Pastures. The development will be located on land off Neverstitch Road, and under the plans 22 apartments and 176 houses with a range of two to five bedrooms will be built.
All of the apartments and the eight two-bedroom houses will be classed as affordable units, constituting 15% of the total number of homes. The plans have been met with widespread complaints from neighbours who have raised concerns over the development including issues over loss of privacy increased noise and disturbance and increased traffic pollution, Lancs Live reports.
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Access to the development will be provided off Neverstitch Road where a new turning lane will be created and a new footway will be provided on its western side to join with those on Ormskirk Road. A number of other pedestrian and cycle paths will link the site with Neverstitch Road, Ormskirk Road, Firswood Road and Old Engine Lane, while a 3m wide pedestrian and cycle path will run through the site along the former railway line as part of a proposed Linear Park between Skelmersdale and Ormskirk.
The application was considered by the planning committee in March and referred to the Corporate Director of Place and Community to secure an agreement over funding to be paid as a contribution to meet community needs. That agreement has now been reached and the council has published notice of its decision.
There were also concerns raised over loss of woodland and natural habitats and heritage damage to the Old Skelmersdale area, along with the appearance of the apartments as well as the potential for increased flooding. However, a report which went before the committee argued that the application complied with all relevant policies and would not cause unacceptable harm to those living nearby.
It stated: “The proposed development is acceptable in terms of layout, appearance and scale and an appropriate landscaping scheme can be accommodated to assimilate the development into its surroundings. I am satisfied that the proposed development would allow for the provision and retention of reasonable levels of amenity for the occupants of future and neighbouring properties.”
The £8m development is being constructed by contractor Whitfield & Brown, with the first phase of works focusing on infrastructure such as the access road, ground works and drainage. Construction is expected to last twelve months.
Councillor Yvonne Gagen, leader of West Lancashire Borough Council said: "This development will deliver new and much-needed homes to our residents and the combination of types of housing available will bring together different generations in a way that will help to keep our communities strong.
"As the cost of living crisis bites, good quality council homes will be ever-more vital when it comes to the welfare of our communities."
Mark Kitts, managing director of developers TVD, said: “This is our largest and most challenging scheme to date and will make a significant difference to the quality of life of residents when the homes are completed. Our focus is on delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that suit the needs of different members of the community, which is why there are a mix of housing types in the development.
“There’ll also be wider improvements as part of the development, including enhanced pavements and a new access road with additional residents’ parking.”
