Radar station dwelling at Fleetwood Radar Station, Fleetwood

What was proposed

The application sought to turn a former naval radar station into a home and install a sewage treatment plant beneath it.

“The application is for the change of use of the building to a dwelling (C3). Also, proposed is the installation of a sewage treatment plant in the ground beneath the centre of the building. This would have two access covers. A 110mm black SVP pipe is proposed to adjoin one of the existing supports to the building. Wire mesh was originally proposed around the concrete support columns, but this has been removed from the application.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the sewage tank could harm residents through odours and create flooding and coastal water-quality risks.

“This is contrary to Policies CDMP2 and CDMP4 of the Local Plan, which require development to not be 'at an unacceptable risk of flooding', and to 'protect the water quality of existing water resources, such as coastal waters', the NPPF (Section 14 and paragraph 187e), and the NPPG (Water supply, wastewater and water quality).”

“This application includes a proposed sewage treatment plant to be located in the beach beneath the existing building. This raises unacceptable concerns of an adverse impact on the amenity of the occupants of the proposed dwelling from odours. Furthermore, this part of the development would be at an unacceptable risk of flooding and would not ensure that the water quality of coastal waters would be protected.”

Officer report

Public comments

Seventeen objections cited flooding, biodiversity, visual impact, heritage, waste, highway safety, drainage, water quality and other concerns; one person supported the proposal.

“- flood risk - harm to biodiversity - negative visual impact - bin store unsightly - harm to Grade II Listing, including window treatments and mesh screen - waste removal - highway safety - foul drainage details - impact on enjoyment of beach and water quality - precedent - no heritage statement - no neighbour consultation and notices - comments on use for 'AirB&B' - loss of view - not needed…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three speakers and two councillors spoke against the application, with questions covering bins, flooding, the sewage tank and the building’s condition.

Members’ debate

Members focused on whether the proposed waste system was in a viable location; officers said the change of use itself was acceptable.

“The main concerns were regarding the location of the waste system, as it was considered that it was not in a viable location.”

“The Assistant Director of Planning & Building Control explained that alternative uses for the building were not to be considered as part of the decision. He also explained that as part of the officer’s report, bringing the site back into active use had been considered and it had been determined to be a positive benefit. He clarified that there were no concerns from officers with the principal of the change of use.”

Minutes

The decision

Councillors voted to refuse planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“Councillor Swatton proposed the recommendation to refuse planning permission. Councillor Raynor seconded the proposal. It was resolved to refuse the application as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes