New fishing destination could be coming to Lancashire

The proposal would see three existing ponds at Poulton Plaiz Leisure Park on Garstang Road West brought into formal use as a recreational fishing complex, complete with parking, access tracks and fishing pegs.

Applicant Mr Miles McCarthy has applied to Wyre Council for permission to change the use of the land to a commercial fishery with associated infrastructure.

The scheme would operate alongside the existing holiday accommodation at the site and is being promoted as a way of diversifying the business and improving its long-term viability.

The proposed site location (Image: Wyre Council)

Planning documents state the fishery would make use of three existing ponds and would provide 22 fishing pegs, spaced around the water's edge, along with 20 parking spaces, including two accessible bays.

Access would be taken via the existing leisure park road network rather than creating a new entrance onto the highway.

The site sits on the outskirts of Poulton-le-Fylde and is accessed from Garstang Road West.

Planning consultants Graham Anthony Associates said the development would broaden the range of visitor facilities available at the park while making use of existing infrastructure.

A design and access statement submitted with the application says: "The proposed fishery represents a logical extension of the existing offer, complementing the established holiday accommodation, broadening the range of visitor facilities and further strengthening the long-term sustainability of the business through appropriate diversification."

The site lies within the Green Belt, however the applicant argues the low-intensity outdoor recreation use would preserve openness and falls within categories of development considered appropriate under national planning policy.

An accompanying ecological appraisal notes that the ponds are already stocked with fish and used for recreational fishing by residents of the holiday park.

The report found no evidence of protected species on the site and concluded that no direct or indirect impacts on nearby protected nature sites are anticipated.

Ecologists said the proposals would result in the loss of a small area of modified grassland but are expected to deliver biodiversity net gain through habitat improvements, new planting and the retention of existing hedgerows and ponds.

The report estimates a 24.26% increase in habitat units and a 10.52% increase in hedgerow units.

The application will be considered by Wyre Council at a later date.