Supported living facility at Land At Barnes Wallis Way, Buckshaw Village

What was proposed

The application proposed a specialist supported living facility with 10 one-bedroom bungalows, 10 one-bedroom apartments and a staff office.

“This application seeks full planning permission for a specialist supported living facility including the erection of 10 one-bed bungalows and a two storey building comprising 10 one-bed apartments and a staff office. The scheme is a specialist supported living scheme. The whole scheme would be leased by a registered provider who provide the care model, and who are appointed by LCC.”

“The proposed apartment building would be positioned to the west side of Barnes Wallis Way and would be a two storey building of mock Georgian design style. The bungalows would be set within three parallel blocks to the rear of the apartments, with the southernmost block facing onto the junction of Barnes Wallis Way and Byers Walk. These would be of a simple traditional design style with hipped roofs.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site is in Buckshaw Village’s strategic site and district centre, opposite shops and businesses, with homes nearby and a supermarket to the southeast.

“The application site is located in the settlement area and falls within the Buckshaw Village Strategic Site. The site is within a parcel of land that is allocated for Housing under policy HS1.22 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 – 2026. The site also falls within the Buckshaw Village District Centre, which is designated under policy EP7 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 - 2026.”

“The site has been vacant for some considerable time and is located opposite a parade of shops and other food related businesses to the east that contain two storeys of apartments above. There are dwellings to the north, south and west of the site, and large supermarket lies to the southeast. Development in the immediate area is generally of a traditional mock Georgian design style, however, there are examples of more modern design at Barlow Close to the east.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The site has earlier permissions for retail units and residential apartments, but the approved building on this part of the site remains undeveloped.

“It is noted that the application site has an extant consent (ref. 10/01052/REMMAJ) for the development of a building comprising eight retail units to the ground floor with 26 residential apartments on the two floors above as part of a consent covering the wider development of the local centre, much of which has been implemented. The building planned for the site in question was designed to complement the East Block development (now built out) opposite…”

Officer report

Noise and local businesses

An acoustic assessment and the building layout were considered sufficient to protect future residents while avoiding unreasonable restrictions on neighbouring businesses.

“Agent of change 36. Paragraph 200 of the Framework states that planning policies and decisions should ensure that new development can be integrated effectively with existing businesses and community facilities (such as places of worship, pubs, music venues and sports clubs). Existing businesses and facilities should not have unreasonable restrictions placed on them as a result of development permitted after they were established.”

“It is considered, therefore, that the proposed development (the agent of change) is unlikely to lead to any unreasonable restrictions being placed upon the lawful activities of existing neighbouring businesses, which at present do not have planning consent for outdoor dining areas. The development would meet the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework in ensuring that no significant adverse impact is experienced by the future residents.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways and environmental health raised no objection, while the parish council supported the facility but questioned parking provision and the Lead Local Flood Authority sought conditions.

“Euxton Parish Council: is minded to support this facility but with the parking issues around the site, it may cause parking to be used from the facility for the retail outlets. The off-street car parking appears to be inadequate in relation to the requirements of the local recommendations. 30 spaces should be provided for a development of this size.”

“Lead Local Flood Authority: No objection subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What residents said

Objectors raised parking, highways, commercial-use, suitability, character and view concerns; supporters cited site improvement and the need for vulnerable people’s housing.

“Representations in objection have been received from 13 individuals raising the following matters: • Impact on local parking issues • Impact on local highway capacity • The area needs more hospitality and retail, not housing. • Vulnerable people may complain about the activities that take place in the evenings, which might affect the businesses. • It is not appropriate to house vulnerable people opposite shops, restaurants, childrens soft play and nursery.”

“Representations in support have been received from 2 individuals raising the following matters: • The land is currently derelict and neglected. The development would improve the appearance of the site. • Much needed social housing for the vulnerable. • Current parking issues are caused by inconsiderate drivers.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The speakers were an objector, the ward councillor and the applicant.

The committee vote

Councillors unanimously agreed to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Russ Green, seconded by Councillor Craige Southern and subsequently resolved (unanimously) that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

Minutes