Up to 200 dwellings at Land To The West Of Slyne Road, Bolton-le-Sands

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 200 homes, affordable housing, public open space, landscaping, drainage and associated works, with access decided now.

“Alongside the provision of up to 200 dwellings, the proposal shall include the provision of affordable housing, on-site public open space and associated infrastructure, such as the provision of a sustainable drainage scheme.”

“Illustrative plans including a Development Framework Plan, Masterplan, Green/Blue Infrastructure Strategy Plan and a Design and Access Statement have been submitted in support of the application.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site comprises four agricultural fields on the southern edge of Bolton-le-Sands, beside existing housing, Slyne Road and neighbouring settlements.

“The site forming the subject of this application is formed by four agricultural fields located on the southern edge of the village of Bolton-le-Sands, within the Bolton-le-Sands Parish area. The southern boundary of the site is also close to the northern periphery of the village of Slyne, separated from the nearest residential development situated along Main Road/Slyne Road (A6) and Manor Lane by further agricultural fields.”

“The application site area measures 11.31 hectares. The northern boundary of the site lies adjacent to existing residential development located along Greenwood Drive, Greenwood Avenue, Pinewood Avenue and Ashworth Drive. The eastern boundary of the site is formed by a field boundary hedgerow which runs parallel with Slyne Road (A6). Slyne Road (A6) is an ‘A’ class road subject to a 40mph speed limit past the majority of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications involved a screening opinion for residential development and pre-application advice for up to 250 homes.

“The site has a very limited planning history. The only relevant case relates to the screening opinion for the proposed development earlier in 2025, which is detailed below:”

“Application Number Proposal Decision 25/00138/EIR Screening Opinion for proposed residential development Not EIA development…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a legal agreement, concluding that the site was Grey Belt land and the homes were not inappropriate Green Belt development.

“Approval subject to conditions and completion of Section 106 Agreement. Delegate back to Chief Officer – Planning and Climate Change to finalise legal agreement.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Eleven people, a county councillor and the agent spoke against or in favour of the application under public participation.

What members debated

Members proposed refusal because they considered the surrounding settlements a large built-up area, the site strongly contributed to Green Belt purpose A, and it was not Grey Belt land.

“It was proposed by Councillor Keith Budden, and seconded by Councillor Martin Bottoms, contrary to the officer’s recommendation in the report:”

“The surrounding settlements, in particular Bolton-le-Sands, constitute large built-up area. • The development would result in the expansion of a large built-up area which currently strongly contributes to purpose A) of the Green Belt purposes.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The refusal proposal passed with 10 votes in favour, 3 against and 2 abstentions.

“Upon being put to the vote, 10 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with 3 against and 2 abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

Minutes