Six commercial units at Former G B Antiques Centre Lancaster Leisure Park, Lancaster

“Location Plan 3.0 PROPOSAL 3.1 The application seeks the subdivision of the existing commercial building into 6 units for a mix of commercial, storage and distribution uses, demolition of part of the existing building, creation of a parking area, compound fencing and associated works. The flexible uses applied for include Class E (Commercial, business and service) e.g. retail, indoor sport facilities, offices, healthcare, nursery’s etc.”

“- Replacement of this north-eastern annex and some surrounding soft landscaping with 32 new car parking spaces and new fenced ‘compound’ areas for two of the proposed units in the former warehouse building (Unit 1 and Unit 3). As part of these works, it can be confirmed that landscaping containing the mature willow tree will be retained as shown in the submitted Arboricultural Impact Assessment.”

“The application site comprises a large, single-storey former antiques warehouse extending to approximately 3,834 sqm Gross Internal Area (GIA), formerly operated by GB Antiques until its closure in February 2025. The building occupies a prominent position within Lancaster Leisure Park, a well-established out-of-centre leisure and commercial destination on the eastern side of Lancaster.”

“To the east of the site are a number of smaller commercial units comprising the Original Factory Shop, hair/salon, butchers shop, and a café, all of which fall within Use Class E. Immediately east of the application site is the leisure park’s customer car park. Beyond which is a small residential estate comprising Pottery Gardens. North of the site is an operating auction mart and abattoir.”

“The wider site has an extensive planning history, but the most relevant to the site itself is listed below:”

“Application No. Proposal Status 01/90/1375 Change of use of factory to antiques warehouse including the exhibition, renovation, repair and valuation/demonstration with weekend sales to general public and vintage classic car exhibition, renovation, valuation and demonstration. Permitted…”

“Subject to additional information being required to demonstrate safe HGV movements to support the B8 uses forming part of the application, access, traffic and parking impacts for other modes of transport are consdiered acceptable, particularly having regard to traffic generation related to the former use. There is good access to public transport with measures incorporated into the scheme to promote sustainable travel.”

“Subject to receipt of satisfactory further information and re-consultation with the highway authority relating to safe HGV movements within the site, that Full Planning Permission BE GRANTED with the following conditions and any other conditions deemed necessary following consideration of further information.”

“In terms of the principle of the proposed change of use, officers consider the ‘main town centre use’ sequential test and impact assessment to be both sound in method, geographical area and the number of sites considered. The sequential test concludes that there are no sequentially preferable sites within the defined catchment area for the scale and form of mixed-use development proposed.”

“In terms of the remaining criteria relating to transport, residential amenity and design, these are considered below.”

“At the time of compiling this report, the following representations have been received: 4 letters of observation…”

“A summary of the main comments are: • The development should seek to encourage people to use sustainable forms of transport, including cycling and pedestrian opportunities. • In general support of the scheme, as it will revitalise the Leisure Park • The potential increase in traffic and parking should be considered.”

“It was proposed by Councillor Keith Budden and seconded by Councillor Sue Tyldesley:”

“Upon being put to the vote, 15 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

“That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:”