Liverpool developer ‘considers its position’ after councillors reject plans for 130 new homes for the second time – despite planning officers recommending approval. Tony McDonough reports
Developer BXB Thornton says it is “frustrated” after its project to build 130 homes was rejected for the second time – despite planning offers urging approval.
BXB Thornton is a joint venture between Liverpool developer Promenade Estates and brownfield land specialist BXB. It is looking to build the homes on a site on Fleetwood Road North in Thornton Cleveleys, near Fleetwood.
In late January, LBN reported that a planning officer for Wyre Council was recommending approval of the multi-million pound project. BXB had undertaken a consultation with almost 1,800 households and businesses.
However, in the last few days councillors on the local authority’s planning committee have rejected the plans for the second time.
“This is an allocated site that will deliver an appropriate mix of new private and affordable homes.” said BXB director Gary Goodman.
“Our masterplan was widely welcomed by the public in two rounds of public consultation and members have gone against the electorate’s wishes. I’m at a loss to understand why.
“Viability was a challenge because of the investment we’d be making in building a new link road into Hillhouse Enterprise Zone, our flood mitigation measures and the quantum of affordable housing.
“But we made it work with the help of the council’s officers. The development would provide a major jobs boost at a time when the economy is rocking on its heels.
“This decision defies economic logic as much as planning policy. We’re considering carefully what our next step will be.”
The proposals included enhancements to Springfield Burn as a wildlife and ecology corridor and pedestrian and cycle links with adjacent housing areas.
The masterplan was developed by Brock Carmichael Architects in Liverpool. Other professionals in the team included Erap (ecology), Curtins (transport) and Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson (drainage).
The 12-acre site was acquired in 2021 and previously enjoyed consent for a large-scale supermarket, a petrol filling station and 476 parking spaces, permission for which has since lapsed.