20-home affordable scheme at 12 Church Road, Banks, Southport

“PROPOSAL: Demolition of existing structures and the erection of a housing scheme of 20 dwellings comprised of 8 dwelling houses, 4 bungalows and 8 cottage style apartments, with access, car parking, landscaping and other associated works.”

“To advise Planning Committee on an application which seeks planning permission for the demolition of existing structures on the site and the erection of a housing scheme of 20 dwellings comprised of 8 dwelling houses, 4 bungalows and 8 cottage style apartments, with access, car parking, landscaping and other associated works.”

“The application site is located to the south of Church Road in Banks and comprises a farmhouse and associated farm buildings. The site extends to approx. 0.5ha and is surrounded on all sides by a mix of built development including a supermarket to the west and a row of local shops to the north.”

“The buildings have become disused over time however the main building Fleetwood Farmhouse, together with its attached barn, is on the List Of Locally Important Buildings and is therefore classified as a non-designated heritage asset.”

“Officers have assessed the application with reference to the requirements of the NPPF and local planning policies. It is considered that when applying the tilted balance as detailed above, the adverse impacts of granting permission for the scheme, would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme, when assessed against the policies in the NPPF taken as a whole.”

“That the decision to grant planning permission be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Planning committee subject to the applicant entering into planning obligations under S106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and/or Deed of Agreement under Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, and/or any other legal agreement deemed applicable and suitable to require:”

“A mixed-use scheme of retail / commercial/leisure/housing would be preferred. As can be seen by the number of objections from residents, this application has massive local opposition. Residents feel that their views have been ignored by WLBC. Banks has expanded in recent years, but the additional housing has not been supported by new infrastructure.”

“The people of Banks are asking for a village centre, Fleetwood Farm is ideal and is the last site available. Tawd Valley Developments proposed a mixed use development at Fleetwood Farm but as in previous situations in Banks, then changed to affordable housing.”

“RESOLVED: That planning application 2024/1028/FUL be deferred to allow for further investigation regarding matters of heritage, and alternative usage of the site.”