Homes on old tank site set for go-ahead
APLAN to demolish factory buildings once used for container-tank manufacturing in Burscough to make way for 54 new homes is now in the hands of planning officers.
The former Universal Bulk Handling site in Orrell Lane could be cleared to allow for new homes proposed by applicants Prospect GB Ltd and Baxi Partnership Ltd.
At a planning meeting on Thursday, April 21, a committee delegated the decision to grant planning permission to officers ‘subject to ecology’.
Although there will be less informal open space for residents in the proposed new homes than is usually desired, they will benefit from other improvements along the nearby Leeds and Liverpool Canal, on the southern side, and from good access to Burscough, planning officers said in a report to the committee.
Some neighbours in the area have raised concerns about potential contamination from asbestos, gas or concrete dust during the factory demolition work, along with noise and a loss of privacy in future.
However, planning officers say environmental health, contamination and risk assessment work will ensure demolition is done safely.
The five acre site on the west of Burscough was once used to manufacture tank-containers for transporting bulk liquids and gases.
But it ceased trading in December 2019.
It has been vacant and available for sale since January 2020, according to a planning report for councillors.
The scheme was originally due to be decided last month but was deferred to allow for updates on car access, parking and pedestrian links.
Before last week’s meeting, planning officers are recommending approval of the demolition and new home-building proposals. The proposed new homes would be two storey in height with a mix of 24 three-bedroom and 30 four-bedroom properties in seven different types.
A report to councillors on the Planning Committee states: “This site is highly sustainable for housing, being within easy walking distance of Burscough centre. The loss of an employment site is acceptable in that the redevelopment for residential use offers the most effective use of the land in line with the national planning policy, outweighing any conflict with other factors.”
Lancashire County Council, which has responsibility for roads, believes the proposed new homes would lead to fewer car and HGV lorry visits to the site, in comparison with its industrial use, planing officers add.
Regarding access to open space for residents, the report adds: “Whilst there is still a shortfall in informal open space, the improvements to open space around the canal, the improved pedestrian access into Burscough and the benefits of the redevelopment of the site for housing, particularly the improved appearance of the site on the edge of Burscough, outweigh the slight harm to other considerations.”
Informal open space is to be provided alongside the canal with the introduction of trees and plants, footpath links and four benches spaced along the canal.
The Orrell Lane site has been subject to a range of planning applications over the years including for storage and new homes. Neighbouring plots include farmland and industrial sites.