Former Kirkham social club plot earmarked for 8 new homes

The outline application relates to land off Station Road at the junction with Coronation Road, a site previously occupied by the British Legion building before it was demolished.

Developers are seeking permission to construct a two-storey apartment block with associated parking and access, with detailed design to be decided at a later stage.

Station Road (Image: Google)

Planning documents show the scheme would deliver up to eight flats, arranged within a modest apartment building set back within the plot.

The development would include a dedicated access from Station Road, parking for eight vehicles and communal outdoor space for residents. A bin and cycle store is also proposed to serve the development.

The site itself measures just under 0.3 hectares and sits within Kirkham’s defined settlement boundary, close to shops, bus routes and the railway station.

A planning statement supporting the application argues the development would make use of underused land in a sustainable location.

The proposed boundary (Image: Fylde Council)

Kirkham is identified as a key service centre in the Fylde Local Plan, and the proposal would count as a "windfall site" — a small, unallocated site contributing to housing supply.

The documents say the principle of housing development on the site has already been supported during pre-application discussions with Fylde Council.

The site currently consists of grassland, trees and remnants of hardstanding from the former building, with some trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Reports submitted with the application state most trees will be retained, with only lower-quality specimens removed where necessary to accommodate the development.

An ecological assessment found no priority habitats or significant constraints, concluding the scheme could proceed with mitigation measures in place. The development is also expected to deliver more than the required 10 per cent biodiversity net gain through planting and habitat improvements.

A drainage strategy has been prepared for the site, proposing the use of underground storage and controlled discharge into the public sewer network. Surface water would be released at a restricted rate to prevent increased flood risk, while foul water would connect to existing infrastructure on Station Road.

The site falls within a zone of influence for coastal protected habitats, meaning the council will need to consider potential impacts from increased recreational activity.

Natural England guidance states developments resulting in more housing may require a Habitats Regulations Assessment to ensure there is no harm to protected sites.

However, submitted ecology reports suggest the small scale of the scheme and its urban location mean significant impacts are unlikely.

Fylde Council will now assess the application. As the proposal is in outline form, further details — including layout, appearance and landscaping — would need to be approved in a later application if permission is granted.