Freckleton bid for 6 homes on Green Belt land revived

The application, made by applicants Mr and Mrs Hardman, seeks "permission in principle" for a small residential scheme on a 0.2-hectare parcel of land on the northern side of the A584.

The site sits between an existing home and a vehicle repair garage, with open agricultural land to the north and the main body of Freckleton across the road.

The proposal for the six dwellings is on Green Belt land (Image: Google)

Developers say the proposal would deliver six new dwellings at a higher density than an earlier scheme, which was refused in 2022 and dismissed on appeal.

That previous plan for two homes was ruled not to be "infilling" and therefore inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

In the new submission, planning agents De Pol Associates argue the revised proposal addresses that concern by increasing the density to around 30 homes per hectare, in line with planning policy.

A central issue remains the site’s location within the designated Green Belt.

However, the applicants contend the land qualifies as so-called "grey belt" — a category introduced in national planning guidance for land that does not strongly contribute to the core purposes of the Green Belt.

They argue the site is a small, enclosed parcel adjoining the village boundary, representing just 0.2 hectares compared with around 1,750 hectares of Green Belt across Fylde.

Planning documents also highlight that the borough currently cannot demonstrate a full five-year housing land supply.

This, they say, strengthens the case for development under national policy, which prioritises sustainable housing where supply is lacking.

A flood risk assessment submitted with the application states the site lies within Flood Zone 1 — the lowest risk category — with less than a 0.1 per cent annual probability of flooding.

While parts of the land could be susceptible to surface water pooling, consultants say drainage systems such as sustainable urban drainage would ensure the scheme does not increase flood risk elsewhere.

Lancashire County Council’s highways team has raised no objection at this stage but notes access arrangements will need detailed assessment if the scheme progresses.

The site is accessed from Preston New Road, a 50mph dual carriageway, and improvements would likely be required to ensure safe entry and exit.

Officials say visibility splays and turning space for vehicles will need to be demonstrated at the next stage of the planning process.

Natural England has also flagged environmental issues, warning the development falls within an area where new housing could increase recreational pressure on protected coastal habitats.

As a result, the council will need to carry out a Habitats Regulations Assessment to consider impacts on nearby Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites before any decision is made.

Permission in principle applications only establish whether a site is suitable for development in broad terms, including location, land use and scale, with details such as design, layout and access considered later.

If approved, a second technical details consent application would be required before construction could begin.

Fylde Council will determine the application following consultation and a review of planning policies, with the Green Belt designation likely to be a key factor in the final decision.