A controversial planning application for 251 homes on the edge of Garstang has finally been approved by councillors.

The proposal, which includes 75 affordable homes and also commercial units on land to the west of Nateby Crossing Lane, was given final approval by Wyre Council earlier this month.

However, the application by Story Homes and Jones Homes had generated significant concern among local residents, with about 100 objections being received to the plans.

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These related primarily to fears over increased traffic and congestion on the A6, additional noise and light pollution for residents, increased risk to pedestrians using the roads nearby, loss of greenbelt land, as well as the pressure more homes would place on local schools and doctors’ surgeries.

However, in a final planning committee hearing of Wyre Council on 1 May, councillors approved the long running application, with the planning report stating that ‘despite some concerns, the proposed details relating to layout, landscaping, scale and appearance are not considered to be significantly harmful’.

Martin Nugent, North West head of land and planning at Story Homes, said: “We are delighted that Wyre Borough Council has approved our application to deliver 251 high quality new homes in Garstang.

“The properties at this development have been designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind, with internal layouts that offer modern, open plan living spaces and exterior design details that will create the unique street scenes for which Story Homes is renowned.

“The scheme includes a range of one to five-bedroom homes and will deliver a number of benefits to the local community, such as the provision of open market and affordable homes, and usable areas of public open space, including an equipped play area. We’re excited to see our plans come to life and to see construction works begin.”

As part of the new scheme, the two developers will make a number of community payments in line with the Section 106 Agreement, totalling over £2.8 million. This includes contributions towards transport and local highways improvements and primary and secondary education.

The scheme will also include the improvement of pedestrian footways, crossing and bus stops in the local area to benefit new and existing residents.

Work will begin on the development this July.

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