West Lancs demolishes Bella Homes’ plans for former warehouse

Councillors slammed the proposals to build six houses and two office blocks on the Tarleton plot once occupied by catering supplier Valera Works due to the loss of protected trees.

Rod Ainsworth designed the scheme for Bella Homes. Credit: via planning documents

West Lancashire Council refused the mixed-use scheme at its planning committee meeting on Thursday, with concerns also raised regarding the development’s potential impact on traffic and neighbouring properties.

Architect Rod Ainsworth designed the scheme, which would have seen the demolition of the existing 25,000 sq ft warehouse and 4,300 sq ft office building off Plox Brow to make way for the development.

Proposals included two three- and four four-bedroom houses, as well as two office blocks totalling 8,000 sq ft.

There would have been 26 car parking spaces provided for visitors, including two electric vehicle charging points.

The decision to refuse the application was made in line with officer recommendations.

Smith & Love Planning Consultants is the planning consultant for the scheme. Also on the project team are ecological consultant Envirotech, civil engineering consultant CFA Civils, and arboricultural consultant Godwins Tree Surveys.

To find out more about the plans, search for application number 2022/1143/FUL on West Lancashire Council’s planning portal.