Hundreds object to 200 homes planned near village

A plan for 200 homes near a Lancaster village has prompted hundreds of objections.

Wrenman Strategic Land Ltd, wants outline planning permission for up to 200 homes on land west of Slyne Road at Bolton-le-Sands, which, it said, was "central to achieving sustainable economic growth".

More than 600 objections have been sent to Lancaster City Council, which will consider the application next week.

Objections have come from residents, Bolton-le-Sands and Slyne with Hest parish councils, and Lancaster Civic Vision.

People have raised issues including building on green-belt land and pressures on schools, flood risks and traffic congestion.

But three letters in support said new homes were needed and would bring people back to the village.

Head teacher Daniel Hargreaves, from Bolton-le-Sands CE Primary School, said his school did not have capacity to accommodate the "likely number of children that would result from large-scale housing developments."

Access to the school was already a serious concern, he said, with narrow roads, limited parking and heavy congestion at peak times.

"So, it is essential that any planning applications take into account the number of houses proposed but also how infrastructure, particularly school access, parking and pedestrian safety will be addressed," he added.

A statement on behalf of the applicant said the outline plan included up to 90 new affordable homes, a section 106 agreement to meet infrastructure needs, new or improved green spaces and respect for the local drumlin ridged landscape.

It added that the Slyne Road development was a key component for economic growth and would result in construction spending, 687 full time equivalent jobs, and spending from households.

"The provision of quality family housing at Bolton-le-Sands is central to achieving sustainable economic growth in Lancaster, it added.

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