Council rejects 250 homes plan near Carnforth FC

A plan for 250 homes has been refused by councillors, over fears that it threatened a football club's activity and wider community needs.

Government agency Homes England wanted to build up to 250 houses at the Lundsfield Quarries site, off Kellet Road in Carnforth but Carnforth Rangers FC were among several objectors to the proposal.

Planning officers had advised councillors to approve the scheme, but locals raised concerns about new residents' cars adding to congestion, and that the plan failed to consider reopening a nearby Lancaster Canal marina.

The planning committee voted to refuse the application.

Homes England had applied to outline planning permission for 250 homes and bought the land after developer Redrow Homes failed to deliver an earlier scheme some years ago, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The 29-acre (11 hectares) site covers the former Lodge Quarry Works bordering the canal south of Carnforth town centre while the football club's location, Quarry Park, is on the northern edge.

Neil Wakeman, representing Carnforth Rangers FC trustees, said it had "real concerns for the incompatibility of football activities with this proposed housing development.

"This would threaten the viability of improved football facilities in the area.

"A significant shortfall of playing pitches in the Carnforth area has already been identified in Lancaster City Council local plans."

Carnforth Town Council also objected and claimed there was poor consultation with the community about traffic congestion and Lancaster Canal Trust had raised concerns over the potential loss of canal boat moorings.

Homes England included plans to demolish some existing buildings to build new homes, access and infrastructure and also proposed a car and coach park for Carnforth Rangers.

Lancaster City Council planning officers advised councillors to approve the plan with conditions, and a legal agreement.

They said new homes were needed and the canal could be protected.

Their recommendations included a football club car park with at least 58 spaces and two coach spaces, with long-term security of tenure for the club and a contribution by the developers for other sports amenities elsewhere.

However, councillors on the planning committee refused the application on Monday.

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