Lancaster defends 644-home Bailrigg refusal

Gladman Developments’ hopes of redeveloping a 97-acre Green Belt site have been dashed at appeal.

Lancaster City Council has defended its decision to reject Gladman’s plans for 644 homes and a link road north-east of Bailrigg Lane.

While agreeing there is a shortage of housing in the borough, inspector Helen Hockenhull concluded that the absence of a Sequential Test for flood risk provided “a clear reason for refusing the development proposal”.

Cllr Sandra Thornberry, chair of the council’s planning regulatory committee, said the decision to uphold the refusal was “vindication” for the authority.

“[The decision] further serves as notice that development proposals that fail to satisfy the Sequential Test for flood risk, when one is required, are likely to be considered unfavourably.

“I’d like to add my thanks and congratulations to everyone from the council who worked on the appeal and presented the successful case.”

For more information on the housing project and the plans for a link road that were also rejected, search for application reference numbers 19/01135/OUT and 19/01137/FUL on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal.

The Bailrigg victory is Lancaster’s second successful appeal appearance this year. Earlier in 2024, the Planning Inspectorate sided with the council over Oakmere Homes’ request to have refusal of a 129-home project in Morecambe overturned.