Over 800 objections against plans for 99 homes in market town

The scheme, submitted by Blackpool Council, would see up to 99 homes built on around eight hectares of former farmland near Woodhouse Farm, alongside open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

Since the application was submitted, opposition has continued to grow, with objectors raising concerns over the loss of open countryside, increased traffic, pressure on local services and the impact on wildlife.

As of August 27, the proposal had received 842 objections versus 9 supporting comments (Image: Wyre Council)

The latest planning documents reveal a mixed picture from consultees, with several organisations raising concerns while others have offered no objections.

One of the most significant responses comes from Lancashire County Council's education team, which has formally objected to the plans unless developer contributions are secured for additional primary school places.

Officers estimate the development could generate demand for 31 extra primary school places and say local schools are already forecast to face a shortage.

A contribution of between £633,950 and £756,896 could be required.

Blackpool Road (Image: Google)

No contribution is currently being sought for secondary school places.

Highway concerns have also been raised.

Lancashire County Council's highway authority said it cannot currently support the application because further information is required.

Officers have requested revised access arrangements, additional traffic survey data, junction capacity assessments and improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users.

The authority is also seeking a £200,000 contribution towards the Poulton Highway Mitigation Strategy and a £6,000 travel plan monitoring contribution.

Blackpool Road (Image: Google)

National Highways has also raised concerns about the transport evidence submitted with the application.

In its response, the body said the transport assessment did not contain sufficient information to allow it to fully assess the impact on the strategic road network, particularly the A585 Norcross roundabout.

National Highways said the transport assessment was "non-compliant" with Department for Transport guidance and recommended the application should not be approved until further work had been carried out.

The response stated that further evidence was needed to demonstrate the impact that traffic generated by the development would have on the operation of the junction.

Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant argue that the development is in a sustainable location and would not have a severe impact on the highway network.

A transport assessment estimates the scheme would generate 58 two-way vehicle movements during the morning peak and 66 during the evening peak.

Despite the concerns raised by some consultees, several organisations have offered no objections.

The Environment Agency said it had no objection to the outline application, provided flood mitigation measures are implemented, while Wyre Council's engineering services and Lancashire County Council's Lead Local Flood Authority also raised no objections subject to conditions.

The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit concluded that no further ecological surveys were required before a decision is made, although it recommended conditions relating to habitat protection, biodiversity management and biodiversity net gain.

Historic England said it did not need to be consulted further on the scheme, while Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service raised no fundamental objections.

The outline application will be determined by Wyre Council at a future date.