Up to four homes at Land North West Of Heathey Lane, Shirdley Hill, Halsall

“The permission in principle consent route is an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development which separates the consideration of matters of principle for proposed development from the technical detail of the development.”

“Planning in principle is sought for the residential development of up to four dwellings. All details relating to the external appearance, design, access, landscaping, siting and other technical / environmental matters are not relevant to the current PIP application and will be dealt with by a second planning application for approval of technical details under a Technical Details Consent.”

“The site comprises of Green Belt land located to the northwest of Heathey Lane, Shirdley Hill, Halsall.”

“The site lies outside the settlement boundary of Shirdley Hill. It is located along Heathey Lane, where an established ribbon of development, comprising primarily bungalows fronting the road, extends outward from the settlement.”

“The Council can currently demonstrate only a 1.86-year housing land supply, confirming a demonstrable unmet need for housing. • The proposal is not major development, comprising up to 4 dwellings on a 0.4- hectare site (below the 0.5-hectare threshold). • The site is visually contained, adjacent to existing development, and not constrained by national designations (SSSI, AONB, flood risk).”

“In conclusion, the proposal meets the relevant criteria under paragraph 155 of the NPPF and should not be regarded as inappropriate development in the Green Belt. The site’s limited strategic contribution, its classification as Grey Belt, and the demonstrable housing need support the principle of development in this location.”

“The Assistant Director of Planning & Regulatory Services submitted a report on planning application 2025/0584/PIP, relating to Land North West Of, Heathey Lane, Shirdley Hill, L39 8SH.”

“RESOLVED: That planning application 2025/0584/PIP be refused, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, on the grounds of harm to the Green Belt, absence of Very Special Circumstances, and adverse impact on Grade 1 agricultural land. The precise wording of the refusal reasons shall be agreed in consultation with the Chairperson.”