Lancaster City Council's proposal for 135 new affordable homes at the former Skerton High School site has secured approval. This development is set to play a key role in the regeneration of the 1960s Mainway estate, which lies north of River Lune, in line with the council's vision for the area.
The new dwellings, comprising apartments and terraced houses, will meet high energy efficiency standards, according to the council. Additional green initiatives include solar panels on select rooftops to facilitate power generation.
The plan also introduces communal indoor and outdoor spaces, including children's play areas and football pitches complete with changing facilities. These proposals received the green light from the planning committee this week.
The designs of the new apartments and houses will reflect the area's historical context. Proposed additions to the new builds encompass a central meeting square for residents equipped with lawn seating resembling cafe-style arrangements, along with an indoor community hub situated within one of the apartment structures.
The proposed terraced residences vary between two to four-bedroom options, promising lower traffic levels and ample playroom for children, reports .
Cllr Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council and cabinet member responsible for housing, said: "It's wonderful to have the planning permission through for the Skerton site. This development is a huge step forward in our regeneration efforts for Mainway and I am thrilled that these exciting proposals have been approved."
"It's not just about building new homes, but about creating a vibrant community space that people can be proud of. It will make a real difference to local families and the wider Lancaster community. I'm particularly excited about the emphasis on sustainability, which sets the standards that we want others to follow."
Facilities will include two new football pitches with changing rooms, and the existing rows of cherry trees near the entrance will be preserved. Sport England had voiced concerns over the loss of sports pitches formerly used by the old school, advocating for 9 v 9 sized match pitches.
However, council planning officers assessed that the new housing development's impact on local sports facilities would be marginal.
One planning report said: "At a time when we are in a national housing crisis and locally failing to deliver sufficient housing to meet local needs, the provision of 135 affordable homes is a significant benefit."
It added that the introduction of social rented apartments is expected to assist in tenant relocation efforts necessary for the second phase of the Mainway estate regeneration, ensuring an ongoing supply of affordable housing as the development progresses.
And it said: "The inclusive and sustainable design provides better connections between the site and its surroundings, highly sustainable, adaptable accommodation and community spaces to promotes a healthier and sustainable place for future residents and the existing community."
The report added that the development will stimulate economic growth through job creation and improved skills for local people via an Employment and Skills Plan. Over the past year, Lancaster has seen protests over the sale of two smaller blocks of flats, Lune House and Derby House, located closer to the River Lune.
Lancaster Tenants and Community Union objected after the council sold the blocks to a developer. Protesters had previously believed that the flats would be refurbished and maintained as affordable council homes.
However, due to rising refurbishment costs and changes in the Mainway project, including with government agency Homes England, new options had to be considered, Cllr Jackson said in late 2023.
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