Lancaster District Local Plan Policies
- Housing
- Local Economy
- Transport
- Environmental Protection and Enhancement
- Recreation and Community Services
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| H1 | the council will aim to ensure that at least 50% of new dwellings completed during the plan period are provided on previously developed land or through the
conversion of existing buildings. planning permission for residential development on large green-field sites other than those allocated in policies h2-5 will not be granted. planning permission for residential development on other large sites will only be granted where these have been previously developed and:
are easily accessible to jobs, shops and services by means of transport other than the car; are served by, or provide for, reasonable public transport, highways, water and sewerage, utilities and social infrastructure; are not subject to unacceptable physical and environmental constraints such as serious contamination, unsuitable ground conditions and flood risk; and satisfy the detailed criteria set out in policies h12, h13 and h19 in the urban area and h7, h12 and h13 in rural settlements. note: planning permission for residential development on small sites will be considered against policies h7, h8, h11 and h19. |
| H2 | the following sites identified on the proposals map and allocated for housing in previous local plans are re-allocated as housing sites. Click on housing pdf at head of this table for details - (pdf page 6 - LDLP Page 15) |
| H3 | the following sites identified on the local plan proposals map are allocated as housing opportunity sites: Click on housing pdf at head of this table for details - (pdf page 11 - LDLP Page 20) |
| H4 | the following sites identified on the local plan proposals map are allocated for residential development; Click on housing pdf at head of this table for details - (pdf page1 6 - LDLP Page 25) |
| H5 | the following sites, identified on the local plan proposals map, are allocated for housing: Click on housing pdf at head of this table for details - (pdf page 19 - LDLP Page 27) |
| H6 | the following sites on the local plan proposals map are allocated as housing opportunity sites; Click on housing pdf at head of this table for details - (pdf page 20 - LDLP Page 28) |
| H7 | within the following rural settlements, the development of suitable small sites for housing will be permitted provided that the development; is appropriate in terms of design, density, and open space standards to its surroundings; would not have a significant adverse effect on the character of the settlement,
surrounding landscape, or the amenities of nearby residents; would not result in the loss of an important open area; makes satisfactory arrangements for
access, servicing, cycle and car parking: and makes adequate provision for the disposal of sewage and waste water. arkholme borwick bolton-le-sands (outside green belt) brookhouse caton cowan bridge dolphinholme galgate glasson dock gressingham halton hest bank (outside green belt) hornby melling middleton millhead nether kellet over kellet overton priest hutton slyne (outside green belt) silverdale tunstall warton wennington whittington wray yealand yealand
conyers redmayne proposals for the residential conversion of existing buildings will only be permitted where it can be shown that there is no demand for
conversion to employment or tourism use or where the building, its location or surroundings are clearly unsuitable for commercial development. priority will be given to suitable small schemes designed specifically to meet rural housing needs. |
| H8 | outside the settlements listed in policy h7, new dwellings in the countryside will only be permitted which are; essential to the needs of agriculture or
forestry or other uses appropriate in the rural area; sited to minimise their impact on the rural area; consistent with meeting the essential employment needs of the occupier; appropriate to the area in terms of design, materials and landscaping; and make adequate provision for the disposal of sewage and
waste water. |
| H9 | proposals for the removal of agricultural or other key worker occupancy conditions from dwellings in the countryside will not be permitted. exceptions will only beconsidered where it can be demonstrated that the dwelling is not required to meet the existing and future needs of any agricultural or forestry enterprise in the locality for key worker housing. |
| H10 | the council will seek the completion of around 740 affordable dwellings within the local plan period. on the following sites, the council will, through negotiation, seek to ensure that up to 20% of completions are affordable site area capacity completions (ha) (dwellings) by 2006. see the pdf page 25 (ldlp page 32). on other sites in lancaster, morecambe, heysham carnforth and bolton-le-sands of 1.0 ha or more, or which contain 25 or more dwellings; and in settlements within the rural area with a population of 3000 or fewer on sites of 0.4 ha or more, or which contain 10 or more dwellings; the council will, through negotiation, seek to ensure that a reasonable number of completions are affordable. development will not be permitted where the developer is unwilling to include a reasonable amount of affordable housing without good reason. |
| H11 | exceptionally the council may permit proposals for affordable housing on small sites of less than 0.4 ha in the rural area which would not otherwise be
released for housing provided that; the applicant can satisfy the local planning authority that the proposal meets a specific and proven local need;
there are no other suitable sites or means by which the need can be met; and the proposed dwellings remain restricted to local occupancy in perpetuity; and
the site is within or adjoining a settlement listed in policy h7 and the proposed development; is appropriate to its surroundings and the settlement in terms of siting, scale, design, materials, external appearance and landscaping; and would not result in a significant adverse impact on the character of the settlement, the amenities of residents, the rural landscape, or nature conservation interests; and would not result in the loss of open space with public amenity or recreational importance. |
| H12 | proposals for housing development will only be permitted which exhibit a high standard of design, layout and landscaping, which use materials and features which are appropriate to, and retain the distinctive local identity of, their surroundings. the qualities of an outstanding scheme may exceptionally justify a design which does not retain or reinforce local distinctiveness. the merits of this must be presented in a written statement which accompanies the planning application. |
| H13 | proposals for housing development and conversions will only be permitted where the council is satisfied that full regard has been taken of energy efficiency
and waste reduction and recycling considerations. new residential development with a net density of less than 30 dwellings per hectare will not be permitted. in central lancaster and on other urban sites with good public transport and proximity to employment opportunities and services the council will seek densities of more than 50 dwellings per hectare |
| H14 | No longer in effect |
| H15 | the city council will refuse proposals which would result in the loss of existing approved gypsy sites. exceptionally such proposals may be permitted where the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the council that: the site is no longer needed to meet the existing or future needs of gypsies seeking to reside or stay in the district; or alternative provision has been made of a comparable standard on an appropriate site. |
| H16 | proposals for the establishment or extension of gypsy sites will only be permitted where the applicant can prove to the satisfaction of the council that: the proposal meets a genuine need for gypsy accommodation which cannot be met on an existing or approved site; the site is suitable for the proposed use and can provide an acceptable living environment; the proposed use is compatible with neighbouring uses; and the site is located in or adjacent to an existing settlement and is within reasonable distance of local services and schools; exceptionally, proposals which involve the carrying out of a trade by the occupant(s) in a reasonable manner without significantly harming the amenity of nearby residents will be permitted. |
| H17 | proposals for sheltered housing, either new build or conversion, will only be permitted where the site is convenient to the primary bus route or other major bus route, local services and facilities. |
| H18 | proposals for new nursing homes or homes for elderly people, including the change of use of existing properties, will only be permitted where the site or property; is well located in relation to local services, facilities and public transport provision; is physically suitable in size and general layout; can provide a good standard of external amenity space. |
| H19 | in lancaster, morecambe, heysham and carnforth, new residential development within existing housing areas will be permitted which; would not result in the loss of green space or other areas of locally important open space; would not have a significant adverse effect on the amenities of nearby residents; provides a high standard of amenity; makes adequate provision for the disposal of sewage and waste water, and makes satisfactory arrangements for access, servicing and cycle and car parking. |
| H20 | proposals which would remove separate upper floor accesses in town centre and seafront properties will not be permitted. proposals to convert upper floors to
residential use will be permitted where a separate private access and acceptable standards of privacy, space and residential amenity are provided within the area shown on the local plan proposals map as the stonewell upper floors improvement area, the council will promote the comprehensive conversion of upper floor properties to residential use. |
| H21 | proposals for the development of, or conversion of buildings to, self contained flats will be permitted where they comply with the council’s standards set
out in appendix 2. |
| H22 | the creation of a new house in multiple occupation, including change of use and use as a hostel, will only be permitted where the proposal: 1. meets a specific proven need and is limited to use by that group; 2. would not result in a significant adverse effect on the amenity of nearby residents and the character and appearance of the street scene; and 3. provides for acceptable standards of space, outlook, privacy, daylight, open space and residential
amenity. proposals to regularise the unauthorised use of houses in multiple occupation or hostels will only be permitted where criteria 2 and 3 (above) are met. |
| H23 | No longer in effect |
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| EC1 | the 9.7 ha of land identified on the local plan proposals map as the bailrigg business park is allocated for b1 (business and light industrial) use only. |
| EC2 | the following sites identified on the local plan proposals map are allocated for the business use for the business uses specified;
see pdf page 6 - (ldlp page 51). uses involving extensive open storage will not be permitted on mellishaw south. such uses will only be permitted on mellishaw north subject to satisfactory screening. |
| EC3 | the 7.8 ha of land identified as the carnforth business park is allocated for b1 (business and light industrial) and b2 (general industrial) use. proposals for uses which could result in significant increases in hgv movements into or out of carnforth town centre will not be permitted on this site. |
| EC4 | employment development and the conversion of buildings to employment use will be permitted on the following rural employment sites identified on the local plan proposals map; willow mill, caton claughton brickworks and buffer store hornby industrial estate cowan bridge industrial estate glasson dock glasson industrial area galgate silk mill. and on other existing employment sites within or on the edge of the rural settlements identified in policy h7, where the proposed development; is appropriate to its surroundings in terms of siting, scale, design, materials, external appearance and landscaping; and would not result in a significant adverse impact on the amenities of neighbouring residents and businesses by reason of noise, vibration, soot, ash, grit, visual
intrusion, light, traffic generation or parking; and makes satisfactory arrangements for access, servicing, cycle and car parking and makes satisfactory
arrangements for the disposal of sewage and wastewater; and does not generate unacceptable levels or types of traffic on rural roads; and does not have a
significant adverse effect on nature conservation interests; particular attention will be paid to the appearance and impacts of employment development affecting the forest of bowland and arnside/silverdale areas of outstanding natural beauty. |
| EC5 | the following sites shown on the local plan proposals map are allocated for the business uses specified subject to policies ec9, ec10 and ec13. see pdf page 12 - (ldlp page 57). |
| EC6 | in lancaster, morecambe, heysham and carnforth, new employment development will be permitted which; makes satisfactory provision for access, servicing, cycle and car parking; is easily accessible to pedestrians and cyclists from surrounding streets, public rights of way, bus stops and rail stations; is appropriate to its surroundings in terms of siting, scale, design and external appearance; uses high quality facing materials and landscaping treatment to frontages visible from roads and other public places; provides for the screening of servicing and open storage areas from public frontages and from adjoining countryside; makes satisfactory arrangements for the disposal of sewage and wastewater and does not have a significant adverse effect on water quality; does not have a significant adverse impact on the amenities of residents and businesses by reason of noise, smell, grit, visual intrusion, light, traffic generation or parking; and upgrades environmental conditions where these are unsatisfactory. proposals for major employment development must be accompanied by green transport plans in accordance with policy t17. |
| EC7 | land identified on the proposals map at halton mills is allocated as a rural employment opportunity site. proposals for comprehensive employment based mixed
use development including housing and informal recreational uses will be permitted where the proposal; confines development to the area shown on the local plan proposals map; provides for an expansion of business activity on the site; will remove all problems of dereliction and contamination from the site; and
will result in a mix of development in which employment is the dominant use. exceptionally the council will consider limited employment development beyond the confines of the existing development area provided; this is essential to the retention or expansion of an existing employer; the proposal would
contribute to the resolution of the access problems of the site; the proposals would result in a net environmental improvement over the whole site. |
| EC8 | No longer in effect |
| EC9 | No longer in effect |
| EC10 | within the port of heysham area identified on the proposals map, employment development will only be permitted where it requires a coastal location. |
| EC11 | within the glasson and glasson dock industrial areas identified on the proposals map, development will only be permitted where it does not have a significant adverse effect on residential amenity in terms of noise, smell, vibration, smoke, soot, ash, grit, dust, light visual intrusion, traffic generation or parking. additionally within glasson dock, development will be permitted only where it can be established that it requires a coastal location. |
| EC12 | No longer in effect |
| EC13 | No longer in effect |
| EC14 | within the luneside area identified on the proposals map, development bringing new businesses which would result in an overall increase in hgv movements will not be permitted. proposals to expand or intensify existing uses will only be permitted where they are accompanied by an agreed scheme of environmental
improvements and measures to minimise the impact of traffic movements on nearby streets. |
| EC15 | No longer in effect |
| EC16 | proposals for nonemployment development on the following rural employment sites will not be permitted: willow mill, caton claughton brickworks and buffer store hornby industrial estate cowan bridge industrial estate glasson industrial area glasson dock galgate silk mill elsewhere in the rural area, development will only be permitted where it can be shown that there is no demand for employment development; or the site’s location or surroundings are clearly unsuited to employment use; and and the proposal would bring about clear environmental benefits; or the proposal is part of a mixed-use scheme in which employment is the dominant use. |
| EC17 | within the district’s shopping centres, proposals for office (b1) uses including the change of use of existing buildings will be permitted where they are consistent with the retail policies of the local plan. the following sites shown on the proposals map are identified as business oppportunity sites; kingsway damside lancaster moor hospital within these sites, the council will permit office development as part of a mixed-use scheme. |
| EC18 | proposals for the comprehensive mixed-use development of the kingsway business opportunity site for business and light industry, retail, leisure and residential uses, will be permitted where; provision is made for a 300 space park and walk/ride car park as part of the scheme; the proposals do not prejudice the proposed lancaster city centre highway improvements; and any retail floorspace proposed should satisfy the tests set out in policy s2. |
| S1 | new shopping development, other than small local shops, village shops, farm shops and shopping development which satisfies the requirements of policy s2, will be permitted only within the city, district and local centres identified on the local plan proposals map. sub-regional centre lancaster district centres
morecambe carnforth local centres morecambe, west end torrisholme bare heysham road caton village bolton-le-sands within these centres proposals for retail
development will only be permitted which are appropriate to the size and function of the centre concerned. |
| S2 | exceptionally, where there is clear evidence of need supported by a retail impact statement, proposals for new retail development will be permitted in edge-ofcentre locations where; 1. the site is within reasonable walking distance of the boundary of an existing centre; and 2. the need identified cannot be met within an existing centre; and 3. the proposal is served by public transport; and 4. the site is linked to the centre by a safe, direct pedestrian route; and 5. the proposal, by reason of its size, location, range of goods sold, projected turnover and potential catchment area can be shown to have no significant adverse effect on the viability and vitality of a centre identified in policy s1 or a town or district centre outside the district very exceptionally, out of centre shopping development will be permitted where the identified need cannot be met either in existing centres or in suitable edge of centre locations and where criteria 2,3 and 5 are met. |
| S3 | No longer in effect |
| S4 | the following frontages are identified as primary retail frontages within which a1 retail will remain the dominant use; cheapside (all frontages), st nicholas centre (all frontages), marketgate centre (all frontages) 1-33 and 2-36 market street 1-43 and 2-32 penny street the following frontages are identified as other key retail frontages within which a1 retail and a3 (food and drink) uses which satisfy the criteria set out in policy s7 will remain the
dominant uses; brock st (all frontages) 1-35, common garden st 42-88 and 53-99, penny st sir simon's arcade (all frontages), frances' passage (all frontages), gage st (all frontages), 11-21 dalton square 1-15 and 2-8 north road, 25-47 china street, 35-83 and 38-99, market st new st (all frontages) 1-59 and 2-70, church st 63-81 and 46-60 north rd, 1-5 and 2-14 damside st, 1-11 and 2-6 chapel st. |
| S5 | within the primary retail frontages in lancaster city centre identified on the proposals map, the change of use of ground floor premises to a2 (financial and
professional service) uses will only be permitted where; all adjoining frontages are in a1 retail use; and the proposal would not result in the proportion of non-a1 uses exceeding 20% of any continuous retail frontage. within other key frontages identified on the local plan proposals map, such uses will only be
permitted where; an adjoining buildings is in a1 retail use, and the proportion of any continuous retail frontage length in a2 use would not exceed 20%. note: a 'continuous retail frontage' is defined as ‘a row of four or more units in a1, a2, a3 or other town centre use of which the a1 frontage element is greater than 50%. a frontage may both cross a side road or wrap around a corner’. |
| S6 | amusement centres and other amusement related uses will not be permitted within the castle conservation area. elsewhere in ground floor properties within the city centre, such uses will be permitted outside primary retail frontages where they do not; harm the character and appearance of the street scene or historic buildings; compromise pedestrian safety on a major traffic route; adjoin a similar use or break up a continuous retail frontage; and have a significant adverse effect on the amenities of neighbouring residents or businesses. exceptionally such uses may be permitted within primary retail frontages where they are of a scale and design appropriate to a primary shopping location and do not prejudice the vitality and viability of the city centre. |
| S7 | within the primary retail frontages in lancaster city centre identified on the proposals map, the change of use of ground floor premises to a3 (food and drink) uses will only be permitted where; an adjoining frontage is in a1 retail use; and the proposal would not result in the proportion of a3 (food and drink) of any continuous retail frontage length exceeding 20%, and the proposal does not have a significant adverse effect on the character of the street or the amenities of neighbouring residents or businesses; within other key retail frontages identified on the local plan proposals map, such uses will only be
permitted where an adjoining frontage is in a1 retail use; and the proposal does not have a significant adverse effect on the character of the street or the
amenities of neighbouring residents or businesses. |
| S8 | No longer in effect |
| S9 | in ground floor properties identified as protected retail frontages in morecambe town centre, a2 (financial and professional services) and a3 (food and drink) uses will be permitted where; the adjoining frontages are in a1 retail use; and the proposal would not result in the proportion of non-a1 retail use of any continuous retail frontage length exceeding 20%, and the proposal does not have a significant adverse effect on the amenities of neighbouring residents or businesses; |
| S10 | amusement related uses will not be permitted in ground floor properties on marine rd between northumberland st and frontierland. elsewhere in ground floor
properties within morecambe town centre, such uses will be permitted outside protected retail frontages where they do not; harm the character and appearance of the street-scene or historic buildings; compromise pedestrian safety on a major traffic route; adjoin a similar use or break up a continuous retail frontage and have a significant adverse effect on the amenities of neighbouring residents and businesses. |
| S11 | No longer in effect |
| S12 | in ground floor properties identified as protected retail frontages in carnforth town centre, a2 (financial and professional services) and a3 (food and drink) uses will be permitted where; an adjoining frontage is in a1 retail use; and the proposal would not result in the proportion of non-a1 retail use of any continuous retail frontage length exceeding 20%, and the proposal does not have a significant adverse effect on the amenities of neighbouring residents or businesses; |
| S13 | No longer in effect |
| S14 | No longer in effect |
| S15 | in lancaster, morecambe and carnforth, proposals for small shops and shopping parades will be permitted where they have a strictly local catchment and do not have an adverse effect on the overall vitality and viability of existing shopping centres; the conversion of local shops to non a1 retail use will not be permitted unless; equivalent provision within reasonable walking distance exists, or forms part of the proposal; or it can be demonstrated that the shop is no longer viable and conversion would have clear environmental benefits. |
| S16 | No longer in effect |
| S17 | farm shops will be permitted where; the proposed shop makes a positive contribution to the viability of the farm holding and remains subsidiary to the main farming enterprise; the goods sold are predominantly grown or produced within the farm unit or within other farms in the locality; and the proposal would not by reason of its scale, potential turnover or range of goods sold, have a significant adverse impact on nearby village shopping; and the proposal, and any signage associated with it, would not have an adverse impact on the character of the area or lead to an unacceptable increase in traffic; and the proposal makes satisfactory arrangements for access, servicing, cycle, and car parking; and the shop uses existing buildings within the main agricultural unit where possible; particular attention will be paid to the landscape and traffic impacts of farm shops within aonbs. |
| S18 | in the rural area, proposals for the conversion of village shops to non-a1 retail use will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the shop is no longer viable. |
| S19 | in the urban area outside the centres of lancaster and morecambe and in rural settlements, a3 (food and drink) uses will only be permitted where they; would not result in unacceptable adverse effects on the amenities of adjoining residents and other neighbouring uses in terms of noise, smell and disturbance; and would not cause significant traffic or car parking problems. where there is a possibility that such a use may cause disturbance at unsocial hours, the council may impose conditions limiting the use and hours of opening of the proposed food and drink use. |
| S20 | No longer in effect |
| S21 | in the countryside area, proposals for the change of use of food and drink establishments to residential or other uses will only be permitted where the business can be demonstrated to be no longer viable. |
| TO1 | within the morecambe tourism opportunity area, new commercial leisure development will be permitted which would; enhance morecambe as a visitor attraction; and make a positive contribution to the regeneration of the area through sensitive design and use of materials and appropriate advertising and shopfront design. developments which would prejudice the tourism and leisure role of morecambe town centre will not be permitted. |
| TO2 | the following areas identified on the local plan proposals map are allocated as tourism opportunity areas; morecambe centre lancaster castle & st george’s quay steamtown, carnforth pine lakes, carnforth south heysham the council will direct new visitor attractions to these areas. proposals which would prejudice the possibility of achieving new visitor attractions within these areas will not be permitted. |
| TO3 | proposals for smallscale tourist-related uses in rural settlements, farm building groups and existing buildings in the countryside will be permitted where the proposal; is appropriate in terms of scale, design and landscaping to the site and its surroundings; would not result in a significant adverse impact on the amenities of adjoining residents or businesses; would not generate traffic likely to cause a significant adverse effect on the character of the area or increase accident risk; is not prejudiced by the operation of the farm within which it is located (if any); makes satisfactory arrangements for access, servicing and cycle and car parking; is easily accessible to pedestrians and cyclists from surrounding roads and rights of way; and makes reasonable provision for public transport where the development would be likely to significantly increase the demand for travel. |
| TO4 | within rural settlements and the countryside, large scale tourism development will only be permitted where there are clear environmental or building conservation benefits and the proposal; does not lie within an area of outstanding natural beauty; would not have a significant adverse effect on the appearance and rural character of the area including the impacts of light and noise; would not generate traffic likely to cause a significant adverse effect on the character of the area or increase accident risk; makes satisfactory arrangements for access, servicing and car parking; is easily accessible to pedestrians and cyclists from surrounding roads and rights of way; would not have a serious adverse effect on nature conservation interests including protected species; makes reasonable provision for public transport where the development would be likely to significantly increase the demand for travel; and in the case of development likely to be used by people from nearby urban areas, it is close to and easily accessible from these areas. |
| TO5 | within the arnside/silverdale and forest of bowland areas of outstanding natural beauty, proposals for new static or touring caravan sites or the extension of existing sites will not be permitted. |
| TO6 | outside the areas of outstanding natural beauty, proposals for new static caravan sites will not be permitted. the small-scale extension of existing sites will only be permitted provided that: the proposal would result in a demonstrable improvement to on-site facilities and/or landscaping; and there are no adverse effects on the surrounding countryside or neighbouring properties. |
| TO7 | new touring caravan sites or extensions to existing facilities will only be permitted where the proposal: can be demonstrated to have no significant adverse effect on the appearance of the surrounding countryside or on the amenities of neighbouring uses; can be demonstrated not to give rise to significant traffic
congestion or increased accident risk makes satisfactory arrangements for access servicing and cycle and car parking; and is easily accessible to pedestrians and cyclists from surrounding roads and rights of way. |
| TO8 | proposals to extend the season of existing caravan sites will only be permitted where: there would be no significant adverse impact on the surroundings or on nature conservation interests; a programme of on site improvements is agreed with the local planning authority and implemented before the extended open season begins; caravans remain in holiday use and are not used for permanent occupation; and the site remains closed for a continuous six week period between January 1st and March 31st. |
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| T1 | the city council will work with lancashire county council and other agencies to prepare and implement a programme to manage the demand for car travel, make the most efficient use possible of existing transport infrastructure, and maximise opportunities to use means of transport other than the car. development proposals which would result in a significant adverse effect on the efficient operation of a bus or rail service, or the ease of use of a bus, rail, cycle or pedestrian route will not be permitted. |
| T2 | No longer in effect |
| T3 | new rail stations will be permitted where they; make satisfactory arrangements for vehicular, bus and pedestrian access; provide adequate cycle and car parking; do not have a significant adverse impact on the amenities of nearby residents and businesses; and are appropriate to their surroundings in terms of siting, scale and landscaping. |
| T4 | development proposals which would prejudice the possibility of upgrading the west coast main line, the morecambe and heysham branch line or the construction of a rail freight terminal within the port of heysham area will not be permitted. |
| T5 | the routes shown on the local plan proposals map are designated as the primary bus corridor. development which would adversely effect the efficient operation of buses or the introduction of priority measures within this corridor will be refused. |
| T6 | No longer in effect |
| T7 | No longer in effect |
| T8 | the city council will, in conjunction with the county council and bus operators, examine the case for park and ride car parks in the following locations and introduce park and ride services when appropriate and generally in accordance with the programme contained in the local transport plan; caton road (a683) morecambe rd(a589) scotforth rd (a6 south) slyne road (a6 north) park and ride sites will only be permitted which; do not have a significant adverse impact on the amenities of nearby residents and businesses; make satisfactory arrangements for access and car parking; are appropriate to their surroundings in terms of siting, scale and landscaping and; can be demonstrated, by means of a transport assessment, to be sited and managed to ensure that the proposal results in increased public transport use and reduced car journeys. |
| T9 | all new housing and other development which would significantly increase the demand for travel should be designed to maximise the opportunities for using public transport and should be located as close as possible to existing or proposed bus services. where appropriate pedestrian/cycle links to bus stops should be provided. on the proposed lancaster moor (north and south) housing sites, development will only be permitted where the road layout allows the operation of a full bus service through the site on an existing or planned bus route. where a site is currently poorly served by bus, the council will negotiate with developers a contribution towards the operation of a local bus service to start during the early stages of development. where a developer is unwilling to make reasonable provision for maximising the use of public transport, development will not be permitted. |
| T10 | land between back caton road, st leonardgate and edward street shown on the local plan proposals map is reserved for road construction and junction improvements. development proposals which would prejudice the implementation of these changes will be refused. |
| T11 | development proposals which would prejudice the city council’s intention to relieve the bulk road/alfred street area from through traffic, improve access
for shoppers and visitors to the east side car parks and improve links between north road and cable street will be refused |
| T12 | No longer in effect |
| T13 | within the lancaster central parking area, proposals which would reduce the level of shopper/visitor parking will be refused. exceptions will only be made where adequate compensatory provision is made elsewhere in the area. proposals for additional shopper/visitor car parking will only be allowed where this is accompanied by an equivalent reduction in the all day commuter parking. |
| T14 | No longer in effect |
| T15 | within the lancaster central parking area shown on the local plan proposals map, nonresidential development will only be permitted where no customer or staff car parking is provided. in considering proposals which would increase the demand to travel into lancaster centre, the council will negotiate with developers the conclusion of a section 106 agreement which, in conformity with the advice of circular 1/97 secures the payment of a commuted sum towards securing adequate accessibility to the site by all modes with the emphasis on achieving the greatest degree of access by public transport, walking and cycling. where appropriate, the council will require developers to install, or contribute towards the provision of, cycle parking facilities. the city council will refuse planning permission where the applicant is unwilling to make a reasonable contribution to measures to manage the demand for travel. |
| T16 | development proposals other than proposals for non-residential development within the lancaster central parking area will only be permitted where parking provision satisfies the lancashire county council car parking standards as set out in appendix 6 where development is likely to increase the demand for travel, the council will negotiate with developers the conclusion of a section 106 agreement which, in conformity with the advice of circular 1/97, secures the payment of a commuted sum towards securing adequate accessibility to the site by all modes with the emphasis on achieving the greatest degree of access by public transport, walking and cycling. |
| T17 | development proposals likely to generate large numbers of daily journeys, including the significant expansion of existing trip generators must be accompanied by a green travel plan. where the developer is unwilling to meet reasonable targets for minimising the proportion of journeys made to the site by car, development will not be permitted. |
| T18 | between lord street and central drive, the city council will remodel marine road to improve highway safety and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. development proposals between the landward side of marine road and the foreshore will only be permitted where they make a positive contribution to the council’s remodelling proposals. |
| T19 | within morecambe town centre, the redevelopment of the visitor/shopper car parks shown on the local plan proposals map which would result in a net loss of coach or car parking spaces, actual or potential, will not be permitted. |
| T20 | between lord street and central drive, proposals to remodel marine road and morecambe seafront which result in the loss of on-street parking must provide compensatory offstreet short-stay visitor parking and coach dropping off points. proposals which fail to provide these facilities will be refused. |
| T21 | No longer in effect |
| T22 | development proposals which would generate significant levels of additional traffic on carnforth’s main road network will not be permitted |
| T23 | proposals to increase on-site visitor parking in the countryside will only be approved where the applicant can demonstrate to the council’s satisfaction that; the environmental and road safety benefits of increasing on-site parking will outweigh the impact of attracting significant levels of additional traffic to the site; parking management measures can be introduced to resolve any existing parking problems associated with the operation of the site; and every effort has been taken to encourage travel by means other than the private car; and the proposal makes satisfactory arrangements for access, servicing, cycle and car parking. |
| T24 | the routes identified on the local plan proposals map are designated as the strategic cycle network. the city council will work with lancashire county council and other agencies to develop the cycle network as a matter of priority. development proposals which would prejudice the implementation of any section of the cycle network will only be permitted where an acceptable alternative route has been provided which is at least comparable with that lost in terms of environment, quality and convenience. |
| T25 | No longer in effect |
| T26 | where development proposals include or lie close to the strategic cycle network, the city council will negotiate with developers links and improvements to the network. proposals for nonresidential development will only be permitted where convenient and secure cycle parking facilities are provided in line with the county council’s standards. |
| T27 | development proposals that would adversely affect the route or characteristics of an existing or proposed right of way will only be permitted where a satisfactory diversion can be provided and secured in advance of development. where a development proposal lies close to, or includes, a public right of way, the city council will require developers to provide safe and convenient pedestrian and cycle links to new dwellings and community facilities |
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| E1 | the north lancashire green belt is established within the boundaries set out on the local plan proposals map. |
| E2 | No longer in effect |
| E3 | development both within and adjacent to the forest of bowland or arnside/silverdale areas of outstanding natural beauty or the yorkshire dales national park which would either directly or indirectly have a significant adverse effect upon their character or harm the landscape quality, nature conservation interests or features of geological importance will not be permitted. any development permitted must be of an appropriate scale and use materials appropriate to the area. |
| E4 | within the area identified as countryside on the local plan proposals map, development will only be permitted where it: is in scale and keeping with the character and natural beauty of the landscape; is appropriate to its surroundings in terms of siting, scale, design, materials, external appearance and landscaping; would not result in a significant adverse effect on nature conservation or geological interests; and makes satisfactory arrangements for access, servicing, cycle and car parking. |
| E5 | development on the coastline within the countryside area shown on the local plan proposals map will only be permitted where the proposal; is essential for coastal protection or marine navigation purposes; or improves public access, informal recreation provision or the amenity of the area; and has no significant adverse impact on nature conservation interests; exceptionally, development for renewable energy generation or the offshore hydrocarbon industry which is of major regional or national importance will be permitted where the council is satisfied that the economic benefits clearly outweigh environmental impacts and where such impacts are minimised. |
| E6 | No longer in effect |
| E7 | development proposals which would affect an existing watercourse will only be permitted where: water quality would be maintained or improved; water flow would not be reduced to a point which would have a significant adverse impact on water quality, public amenity or public health; and there would be no significant adverse impact on the landscape, nature conservation, recreation and amenity importance of the watercourse. |
| E8 | within areas of groundwater vulnerability, development which would have a significant adverse effect on the purity of groundwater supplies will not be permitted. |
| E9 | No longer in effect |
| E10 | No longer in effect |
| E11 | development proposals within areas at risk of flooding will only be permitted where; appropriate flood protection measures are already in place; or these will be provided without adverse environmental impacts. |
| E12 | in determining development proposals, the council will ensure that any impacts upon wildlife, wildlife habitats, protected species and important geological features are taken into full account. where development is permitted, developers will be required to minimise any adverse impact and/or create and provide for the appropriate management of compensatory wildlife habitats. |
| E13 | development which would result in a significant adverse effect on, or involve the loss of, any significant area of woodland; significant trees; or any area of ancient woodland, will not be permitted. |
| E14 | development proposals involving the removal of naturally occurring areas of water worn limestone, or which could damage a limestone pavement, will not be permitted. |
| E15 | No longer in effect |
| E16 | development likely to damage or destroy a designated or proposed site of special scientific interest will not be permitted unless the need for development is of national importance and this demonstrably outweighs the need to protect the site. where development is permitted, developers will be required to minimise adverse impacts and to compensate for these by appropriate habitat creation and/or enhancement measures either within the site or the immediate local area. |
| E17 | development likely to damage or destroy a county biological heritage site or county geological heritage site will not be permitted unless the need for development demonstrably outweighs the need to protect the site. where development is permitted, developers will be required to minimise adverse impacts and to compensate for these by appropriate habitat creation or enhancement measures, either within the site or the immediate local area. |
| E18 | No longer in effect |
| E19 | No longer in effect |
| E20 | in the countryside outside the settlements listed in policy h7, the conversion of permanent and substantial buildings to business and tourism use will only be permitted where; suitable services and access are available without the need for works which would adversely affect the character of the area; the proposal would not result in major reconstruction, the destruction of important architectural or historic features or the loss of traditional architectural character; the proposal safeguards the roosting or nesting habitat of any protected species present in the building; the conversion can be carried out without major extensions to the existing building or the construction of ancilliary buildings; and the proposal does not adversely affect the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside or the amenity of nearby residents; where it can be shown that there is no demand for conversion to business or tourism development or where the building location or surroundings are clearly unsuitable for business development, the council will permit the conversion of buildings which make a positive contribution to the rural landscape to residential use, subject to the above criteria provided that; the building is within a group of buildings containing at least one existing dwelling; and the number and density of dwellings is appropriate to their surroundings. |
| E21 | proposals for business and tourism uses which form part of an existing agricultural unit will be permitted where; the proposed use makes a positive contribution to the viability of the farm holding and remains subsidiary to the main farming enterprise; and the development would not result in a significant adverse impact on the character of the area or lead to an unacceptable increase in traffic; wherever possible, the proposed use should use existing buildings within the main agricultural unit. |
| E22 | proposals for the development of wind turbines will be assessed against their impact on; the character of the landscape, including the cumulative impact on a number of sites; nature conservation interests, historic buildings and areas and archaeological sites; nearby dwellings including the effect of electromagnetic disturbance. within the arnside/silverdale and forest of bowland areas of outstanding natural beauty, wind turbines will only be permitted where the applicant can demonstrate that no alternative suitable site exists elsewhere, that the economic benefits of the proposal clearly outweigh any adverse impact on the area and that any such impact is minimised. |
| E23 | applications for telecommunications installations will only be permitted where applicant can demonstrate that; the proposed apparatus is sited and designed to minimise, as far as practical within technical and legal constraints, its impact on residential amenity, listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled ancient monuments,archaeological areas, nature conservation interests and areas of high quality landscape, the possibility of erecting antenna on existing buildings, masts and other tall structures has been thoroughly investigated; the apparatus, has as far as is practical, been sited to minimise its impact on the building on which it is located (if any); and account has been taken of the need for additional capacity to accommodate of growing needs for network development including those of other operators. in determining whether approval of details of siting and appearance of apparatus is required, the council will have regard to the criteria set out above. |
| E24 | in considering proposals for new or replacement electricity lines, the council will require the least visually harmful route for the line. it is expected that such routes will be placed underground as far as technical, economic and practical considerations allow. proposals will need to demonstrate that; a more suitable site, route or system is not available; the proposal respects the form and character of the landscape and the setting of any settlement involved and makes provision for appropriate landscaping; the proposal is sited to minimise its impact on listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled ancient monuments, archaeological areas and areas of high quality landscape; and the proposal would not result in a significant adverse impact on nature conservation interests. within the arnside/silverdale and forest of bowland areas of outstanding natural beauty and other visually sensitive areas, applicants must provide special justification for any overhead line and to demonstrate conclusively why these cannot be placed underground; |
| E25 | No longer in effect |
| E26 | land at middleton shown on the local plan proposals map is allocated as a community woodland. |
| E27 | the following sites identified on the local plan proposals map are allocated as woodland opportunity areas: south heysham, luneside and lancaster eastern m6 corridor within these areas, the council will seek to establish new woodlands using predominantly native species and allowing, where practical, for public access and the protection and enhancement of nature conservation interests. development which would prejudice the establishment of new woodlands in these areas will not be permitted. within the woodland opportunity sites, the existing nature conservation value will be assessed and areas of significant value will not be planted. |
| E28 | within the following sites identified on the local plan proposals map the city council will negotiate with developers to ensure that areas of woodland are included as part of the overall development of these areas: royal albert; lancaster moor north and south. any new woodland planting must allow for public access and the protection and enhancement of nature conservation interests. development will not be permitted where the developer is unwilling to incorporate sufficient new woodland planting to achieve an attractive transition between town and country, soften the landscape impact of the proposed development, secure adequate amenity areas for local residents, protect and enhance nature conservation interest and provide a framework for the safeguarding of existing mature trees. |
| E29 | the areas identified on the local plan proposals map as urban green spaces will be protected from development and where appropriate enhanced. exceptionally, essential education or community related development or the limited expansion of existing uses will be permitted. |
| E30 | in determining planning applications, the council will protect and enhance the following green corridors shown on the local plan proposals map; lune riverside lancaster canal caton to glasson cycle path lancaster to morecambe cycle path burrow beck where appropriate, the council will seek to strengthen these green corridors through the planting of new woodland, landscaping and access improvements; |
| E31 | the key urban landscape areas shown on the local plan proposals map will be conserved and important natural features safeguarded. development will only be permitted which preserves the open nature of the area and the character and appearance of its surroundings. |
| E32 | the demolition of all or part of a listed building will only be permitted where the applicant can demonstrate conclusively that rehabilitation is impracticable; and reasonable efforts have been made to sustain existing uses or find viable new uses for the building and these have failed. exceptionally, demolition may be permitted where redevelopment would produce substantial benefits for the community that would decisively outweigh the loss resulting from demolition where complete or substantial demolition is approved, consent will not be issued until detailed planning permission has been granted for redevelopment including effective guarantees of early completion. |
| E33 | proposals involving external or internal alterations to a listed building which would have an adverse effect on the special architectural or historic character or interest of the buildings or their surroundings will not be permitted. |
| E34 | planning permission for appropriate new uses for listed buildings at risk may be permitted where this will secure the future of the building and retain its historical and architectural integrity. |
| E35 | development proposals which would adversely affect important views into and across a conservation area or lead to an unacceptable erosion of its historic form and layout, open spaces and townscape setting will not be permitted. |
| E36 | planning permission to change the use of a building which makes a positive contribution to a conservation area will not be granted, if the change of use or alterations associated with it fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of that area. exceptions will only be made where; the alterations are essential to the future well-being of the building; and any damaging operations are kept to an absolute minimum. |
| E37 | the total or substantial demolition, of an unlisted building will only be permitted where it does not make a positive contribution to the architectural or historic interest of a conservation area. exceptionally, within any conservation area, the total or substantial demolition of an unlisted building which makes a positive contribution to the conservation area will be permitted where the applicant can demonstrate conclusively that; rehabilitation is impractical and reasonable efforts have been made to sustain existing uses or find viable new uses for the building and these have failed; or redevelopment would produce substantial benefits for the community which would decisively outweigh the loss resulting from demolition. within the lancaster city centre and castle conservation areas, the demolition of key townscape features will only be permitted where the above criteria are met. proposals to demolish any building within a conservation area will only be approved where detailed planning permission has been given for a scheme of redevelopment which would preserve and enhance the conservation area including effective guarantees of early completion. |
| E38 | development proposals within conservation areas will only be permitted where these reflect the scale and style of surrounding buildings and use complementary materials. |
| E39 | the alteration and/or extension of buildings within conservation areas will be permitted where; the proposal will not result in the loss or alteration of features which contribute to the special character of the building and area; and the design, scale, form, material and quality of the proposal is sympathetic to the character of the building and area. shopfront and other alterations on commercial premises within conservation areas will only be permitted which are designed to a high standard and use materials appropriate to the surrounding area. |
| E40 | within the following locations, the conversion of residential properties to other uses will not be permitted castle hill 8-29(inc.) castle park 2-26(inc.) hillside 1-6(inc.) st mary’s parade 1-29 (inc.) priory close 1 church st 96-102(inclusive). |
| E41 | within the castle conservation area the city council will refuse proposals for advertisements which do not preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area by virtue of their position, overall size, materials, colour, and size and style of lettering. |
| E42 | within the city centre conservation area, proposals for new or replacement shop fronts and advertisements which detract from the character and appearance of the building or area will not be permitted. |
| E43 | No longer in effect |
| E44 | in determining applications for development, the city council will take into account archaeological considerations and the need to safeguard important sites from damage or destruction. development proposals which would have an adverse impact on the site or setting of a scheduled ancient monument or other monument of national importance will not be permitted. |
| E45 | the city council will protect other sites of archaeological significance. when development affecting such sites is acceptable in principle, the council will seek to ensure mitigation of damage through preservation of the remains in situ as a preferred option. when in situ preservation is not justified, the developer will be required by planning condition or legal agreement to make adequate provision for investigation and recording before or during development. |
| E46 | where development proposals affect sites of known or possible archaeological interest, the city council will require an archaeological assessment and/or evaluation to be submitted as part of the planning application. planning permission will not be granted without adequate assessment of the nature, extent and significance of the remains present and the degree to which the proposed development is likely to affect them. |
| E47 | within the access corridors shown on the local plan proposals map, planning permission for uses which could adversely affect the appearance of their surroundings will not be granted. the council will only permit proposals which; upgrade environmental conditions where these are unsatisfactory; use high quality building materials and local architectural styles; retain existing landscape features wherever possible and incorporate landscaping and tree planting; and incorporate only discrete and well designed advertising. |
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| R1 | the areas identified on the local plan proposals map as outdoor playing space will be protected from development. exceptionally where there is clear justification for development which would result in the loss of such space, this will be permitted only where sport and recreation facilities can best be retained and enhanced through the redevelopment of a small part of the site or alternative provision of equivalent community benefit is made available. |
| R2 | proposals for all weather sports pitches will be permitted where the proposal, including ancillary features such as fencing, floodlighting, changing facilities and car parking would not have an adverse visual impact or result in an unacceptable nuisance to nearby residents and businesses. |
| R3 | development within a major sports ground identified on the local plan proposals map will be allowed where the development; directly relates to the sports and social activities which are specific to the site; and the council is satisified that account has been taken of the consequences of sports ground development on the amenities of the surrounding area. |
| R4 | proposals for outdoor playing space will be permitted where; the facility will meet demands generated locally; the site is located within or adjacent to the main urban areas of lancaster, morecambe or carnforth or a rural settlement identified in policy h7, and the proposal would not result in a significant adverse impact on the appearance and character of the area, nature conservation interests or the amenity of nearby residents. |
| R5 | No longer in effect |
| R6 | outside the aonbs, new golf course development will be permitted where the proposal would not: result in the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land or substantially erode the viability of a farm holding; have a significant adverse effect on nature conservation interests; and have a significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the landscape or the amenities of local residents. in considering such proposals, particular regard will be given to the remodelling of land forms, construction of access roads, car parks and ancillary buildings and the advantages of locating golf courses close to existing settlements, main road connections and rail and bus services. |
| R7 | new golf driving ranges will be permitted where the proposal: is located in, or on the edge of lancaster, morecambe, heysham or carnforth or is associated with an existing golf course or other leisure facility; does not have a significant adverse effect on nature conservation interests; and would not have a significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the landscape or the amenity of local residents. |
| R8 | No longer in effect |
| R9 | the city council will concentrate opportunities for informal recreation in the following locations; the lune riverside park the lancaster canalside park morecambe central park morecambe and heysham seafront the lancaster coastal way within these areas the council will work with landowners and interested bodies to improve the appearance and safety of the routes and to provide better public access. the council will also seek to improve access to and within the areas by foot, bicycle and public transport. |
| R10 | the council will permit proposals for equestrian development in the countryside where; the proposed development and any associated buildings are appropriate to their surroundings in terms of design, scale, materials, landscaping and means of enclosure; existing buildings on the site are made use of wherever possible; the proposal does not have an unacceptable impact on rural roads and contains suitable access and car parking provision; the proposal does not have a significant adverse effect on any wildlife habitat, the best and most versatile agricultural land or any public right of way; and the proposed development is convenient to an adequate network of bridleways and/or safe riding routes. in considering such proposals, the council will have particular regard to the advantages of locating equestrian development close to existing settlements. |
| R11 | housing developers will be required to provide open space and playgrounds in accordance with the standards set out in appendix 1. where a developer is unwilling to make such provision without sound reason, planning permission will be refused. open space provided in this way will be regarded as urban greenspace and protected from development in line with policy e29 to obtain the required greenspace and secure contributions towards its maintenance, the city council will negotiate legal agreements with housing developers. |
| R12 | built development associated with the expansion of the university of lancaster will be confined to the area identified on the local plan proposals map as lancaster university campus. outside this area, development will be restricted to outdoor sports facilities and small-scale ancillary buildings. |
| R13 | built development associated with the expansion of the university college of st martin will be confined to the area identified on the local plan proposals map as st martin’s college campus. outside this area, development will be restricted to; outdoor sports facilities; small-scale ancillary buildings; areas which already benefit from planning permission; and development of a scale and type acceptable within the greenspace and key urban landscape policies of the plan. |
| R14 | built development associated with the expansion of lancaster and morecambe college will be confined to the area identified on the local plan proposals map. |
| R15 | No longer in effect |
| R16 | development proposals for the lancaster moor area must contain provision for a primary school. |
| R17 | No longer in effect |
| R18 | land identified on the proposals map adjacent to carnforth high school is safeguarded as a site for a youth and community centre. proposals which prejudice this potential will be refused. |
| R19 | land north of the duke’s theatre as shown on the local plan proposals map is reserved for theatre development. |
| R20 | No longer in effect |
| R21 | in considering development proposals, the council will, where appropriate, require access provision for people with disabilities. where development is not subject to the building regulations the city council will seek, via negotiation with developers, to secure access by disabled persons. where access by disabled persons must be provided, planning permission will be granted subject to conditions to secure this. where a valid condition cannot be framed, planning permission will be refused. |
| R22 | proposals for new residential and commercial development should adopt designs, layouts and landscaping treatments and lighting measures which deter crime and reduce the fear of crime; proposals for developments with public frontages which incorporate excessive, unsightly security measures will be refused. |