Commercial building conversion at Bank Farm, Burscough, Ormskirk

“PROPOSAL: Retrospective application for the change of use of Agricultural buildings from Agriculture to flexible commercial uses under use class E(g) and B8”

“To advise Planning Committee on an application which seeks retrospective planning permission for the change of use of agricultural buildings to flexible commercial uses under Class E(g) (Commercial, Business and Service) and B8 (Storage and Distribution).”

“(Lancashire County Council Planning Application) LCC/2023/0026 – Change of use of agricultural building and yard area to waste management including the sorting, storage, recycling and distribution of non-hazardous waste, and including two ancillary buildings – Allowed on Appeal reference: APP/Q2371/W/24/3345974.”

“2019/0769/PNP - Application for Determination as to Whether Prior Approval is Required for Details - Agricultural office and staff welfare building. Details Refused 20.08.2019”

“The main issues addressed within the appeal were; the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of nearby occupiers and whether the proposal was inappropriate development in the Green Belt. It was concluded the change of use would not result in disturbance to the living conditions of nearby occupiers and the development would accord with paragraph 154 h) iv.”

“The proposed development is for the change of use of two agricultural buildings to Class E(g) Commercial, Business and Service including (i) an office to carry out any operational or administrative functions, (ii) the research and development of products or processes, or (iii) any industrial process and Class B8 storage and distribution.”

“LCC Highways – 20 th January & 26 th February 2025 (In the first response received LCC Highways requested the plans be updated to include the access points within the red edge of the site.)”

“LCC Highways does not have any objections in principle to the proposal, providing the applicant can address the issues regarding the access from Gorst Lane, as detailed in this report.”

“Conversion to industrial use will cause significant detrimental impact on the immediate area. • Previous applications on this application site to be considered. • The safety of the residents and visitors to 'The Farm' and cyclists compromised by the heavy vehicles entering and leaving frequently. • Noise and pollution of local watercourse serious concern. • The area is Green Belt – no plan in the Local Plan provision for industry in this location.”

“The application is therefore inaccurate, and evidence already shows a complete disregard by the applicant for planning and environmental protection. • We are concerned that approving planning permission will only encourage abuse on a bigger scale.”

“A. That planning permission be granted subject to conditions, as set out in officer report.”

“B. That further additional / amended conditions be included, as requested by Planning Committee. The revised conditions are to be agreed in consultation with the Chairperson.”

“No external mechanical, ventilation or odour filtration systems shall be installed at the premises until details of such equipment has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such equipment shall be installed and maintained thereafter in accordance with the approved scheme.”

“Before the Gorst Lane access is used for vehicular purposes, that part of the access extending from the highway boundary for a minimum distance of 5m into the site shall be appropriately paved in tarmacadam, concrete, block paviours, or other hard material to be approved by the Local Planning Authority.”