A proposal to modify the design of two planned industrial buildings near the historic Galgate Mill in Lancaster has been given the go-ahead.
Rob Lowery, from Lancaster-based Askam Civil Engineering Ltd, has received permission to alter some aspects of the proposed buildings on land adjacent to Galgate Mill at Chapel Lane, Galgate, including the addition of extra roller shutter doors. Mr Lowery is collaborating with Erica Wright Architecture Ltd in Kirkby Lonsdale.
The planning committee of Lancaster City Council has approved the variations for the industrial buildings, which will feature individual business units, parking spaces, a vehicle turning area and landscaping.
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The site is situated north of Galgate Mill, surrounded by a mix of commercial and residential buildings. The Galgate Silk Mills, two Grade II listed buildings of national heritage importance, are located on either side of Chapel Lane, according to a council planning report.
Permission had previously been granted for the two new industrial buildings, but the new application will bring about some changes. These include the removal of some side and ground floor windows, the addition of extra roller shutters and pedestrian doors on the north side, fewer first floor openings and the replacement of some glazed areas with shutter doors, reports .
At the most recent planning committee meeting of Lancaster City Council, planning officers recommended that councillors approve the changes, subject to conditions.
A council report identified significant buildings in the vicinity. A five-storey brick structure on the eastern side of Chapel Lane originates from 1852 and currently serves as student housing.
Its square, towering chimney stands as a neighbourhood landmark, according to the report. On Chapel Lane's western side sits a sandstone structure originally converted from a corn mill in 1792, with extensions added during the 1830s.
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It now houses factory units. Additionally, Ellel House represents another Grade II listed property currently operating as a care home.
During the committee meeting, Coun Alan Greenwell enquired: "There is a nursing home nearby where people are generally living their final days. Are there any changes from this plan they they will see?".
Planning officer Andrew Clement responded: "Yes, the parking situation has changed and the proposed landscaped area on the south is slightly smaller. But one of the positives is that the front of the building facing the nursing home will have natural materials. There will be four roller shutters than the previously approved two. But stone materials will be used on the building, which will have a mitigating effect."
Committee chairwoman Coun Sandra Thornberry asked: "Are you confident this is not too big a change for the nursing home?".
Mr Clement answered: "Yes, the buildings have already been approved and the proposed industrial or employment use does not represent a change."
Councillor Tom Fish raised concerns about potential light pollution at night, asking: "Are lights proposed on high posts? I have concerns about light pollution and wonder if we should have conditions requiring low posts or timing for lights?".
In response, Mr Clement stated: "A light study has been done and planning conditions will seek to control lighting. There might be some light spillage but not to the east, into the woods."
The plan was subsequently approved by the councillors.