Re-think called for on 'lack of affordable homes, tight access and crammed properties'
A plan for nine homes on 'oddly-shaped' land next to a larger site of over 100 houses near Skelmersdale has been queried over its lack of affordable homes and also car parking, road access and over-development fears.
Wain Homes wants to build nine homes next to a larger estate at Firswood Road, Lathom, which already has consent for 130 houses near the green belt. The smaller plot is on the north-west next to Slate Lane. At their latest meeting, councillors on West Lancashire Council's Planning Committee deferred a decision on the nine homes for further consideration on the layout and affordable housing.
People spoke for and against the Wain Homes application, which was was called-in for scrutiny by Coun Ian Rigby of the Our West Lancashire group over concerns. Caroline Payne, an agent representing Wain Homes, said: "The site was not on another recent application because there was no agreement between the land owner and applicant. But now it is available.
"Access is considered acceptable by the county council highways department with turning areas. There is also clear direction from the government to build homes. This plot would allow extra homes. We hope councillors will support this. We have been in detailed talks with planning officers over four to eight weeks to ensure everything from both sides is encapsulated going forward."
Of the nine proposed houses, four would be off Firswood Road and the remaining five linked to the wider development. Access would be from Firswood Road on the west and from the adjoining site on the east.
A parallel application sought to vary a condition and create an internal access road to house plot numbers five to nine. The proposed new houses would have three or four bedrooms, with off-street car parking and garages for three houses.
But Roger Clayton, a parish councillor, raised concerns. He said: "The parish council has no objections to developing the site. But the details cause problems. The space for cars is not enough. Cars will probably be parked on the ironically widened pavements. There are also concern about traffic visibility including the nearby caravan site and access to the new homes, with conflict likely between households, drivers, bin lorries and other problems."
He added: "The county council highways department is an advisor but it is West Lancashire Council which actually decides planning applications. This development plot is oddly-shaped which gets in the way of good design. We also think two affordable homes should be provided, especially as it's part of Skelmersdale."
Borough councillors including Conservative Edward Pope and Labour's Gaynar Owen and Andy Fowler asked about access roads, traffic safety and potential yellow lines in some parts.
Planning officer Katie Jones said yellow line decisions were for the county council.
Labour Coun Anne Fennell said: "When we visited the site there were some concerns about over-development and trying to squeeze houses on the site. Things might be better if only eight houses were there, allowing different access?"
But agent Caroline Payne said: "Nine houses on the site is broadly in accordance with the standard. To suggest this is trying to cram houses onto the site is not the case."
Our West Lancashire Coun Ian Rigby is not on the planning committee but spoke as a local councillor. He said: "It is recognised that this plot is in the original area for development along with sites nearby. But it cannot be treated as absolutely separate. There is an open space issue again. This would take away open space rather than provide it. We know the reality is that car parking will be different to the plan. It will spill onto the road. I can almost guarantee they will be parking on the open space. It is not well designed.
"Also there is no mention of affordable homes. We have already sacrificed 28 on the main estate. We should have two but maybe ask for three affordable homes. But we are getting none. "
Coun Fowler added: "I think we should have a minimum of two affordable homes."
Edward Pope said: "I would like to hear from planning officers about the lack of affordable homes? Also this is very tight. We know our parking conditions are way out-of-date and should be fixed in the Local Plan. Hopefully that will be fixed in future.
"Normally, a commercial viability reason is given that knocks-out any affordable housing. But I don't see it here in this application."
The council's planning head, Steven Faulkner, said: "We anticipate that nine units should give 25 per cent affordable homes, which would be rounded-up. I think, as officers, we must defer this and bring it back. We can included the other points raised by councillors too, such as access. We have deferred this plan previously but we have got clear reasons at this meeting. We will come back to you."
This was agreed by councillors.