Controversial village homes plan near Lancaster passed despite hundreds of objections and traffic jam ‘dread’

A controversial plan for new homes in a ‘congested’ village near Lancaster has been approved, despite nearly 300 objections.

Outline planning permission for up to 93 houses on farmland at Highland Brow, Galgate has been granted. There were 299 objections received in relation to the scheme from Wainhomes (North West) with traffic congestion and pressure on sewers among people’s concerns.

Lancaster City Council’s planning committee approved it but a number of councillors said they felt they had no other option because flood testing queries raised in an earlier plan in 2024 had been resolved. That previous plan for 108 homes was refused by the council but then appealed – unsuccessfully – by Wainhomes.

The site is west of the West Coast Mainline railway and a road called Highland Brow, which meets the main A6 at a crossroads in Galgate.

A number of Galgate and Ellel residents spoke against the plan at the council planning meeting along with Coun Paul Tynan.

Chris Rimmer of Meadow Park, Galgate, said: “These new homes would be overbearing to existing houses because of proposed ground level changes. The level next to my house would be around 2.5 metres high – the height of a single storey. There are also concerns about surface water running off the levels.”

David Bland said: “I’ve lived in Galgate for over 30 years and seen several new housing developments.  I recognise the need for housing but this plan would take away Galgate’s distinctiveness. It is the wrong location and building on these fields would heighten the risk of the area becoming a featureless, urban sprawl.”

Barbara Walker said: “Sewers and health facilities are my concerns. This plan assumes there are no sewer system problems. But a pipe has to be cleaned with high-power jets to stop it from blocking. And that can cause toilets in local homes to get foul water. And enhancing the pipe would be far from simple because it goes under the Lancaster Canal.

“Also. the NHS says the local health centre would need to expand – but there is no space. There’s another health centre at Bailrigg near Lancaster University but that’s over a mile away.”

Elizabeth Slater said: “I live on Salford Road, Galgate, and my car is regularly scratched by passing vehicles. The narrow road gets jammed, meaning no access for 999 vehicles. So I dread to think about more congestion in future.”

Jackie Mascall runs a Galgate hair salon and said: “Any new parking restrictions  would seriously damage local businesses. Restrictions would hit my business financially and many elderly customers who need to park outside. For some old people, going to the hairdresser is their only social interaction. And planning policies say accessible local shops and business should be supported.”

Tony Breakell of Ellel said: “Pedestrian safety is a concern on some narrow pavements in Galgate. People have to step onto the road to pass each other in places. Traffic will get worse, making it more dangerous. And pedestrian access to the planned new homes is a concern too. ”

However, Stephen Harris, of Emery Planning, spoke for Wainhomes. He said: “In the 2024 planning appeal, a national inspector said the only issue was sequential tests for flood risks for some houses in the old plan. But this new plan has addressed that. There are no houses on that part.

“There are no objections from the Environment Agency or council planning officers. And there are no traffic objections from Lancashire County Council or National Highways.

“I understand residents are concerned about change but it’s important that councillors take decisions with knowledge. The site has already been approved as suitable for housing. This new plan will provide important homes including affordable ones.”

Coun Paul Tynan said: “This has created a huge amount of concern and represents the third time residents have been through a planning processes for this site. Numerous worries include queuing traffic, sewer capacity, poor pedestrian facilities and a lack of cycling infrastructure for Galgate. The modifications in this latest plan would be another step towards making Galgate a faceless, car-filled crossroads.”

However, planning officers recommended the plan be approved, with conditions and an agreement. They said the Lancaster district has a shortfall of new homes in the pipeline. They also recognised public opinion and said Galgate’s situation was not easy.

Many councillors said they sympathised with residents but felt they had to approve the plan or risk the council facing an expensive appeal. The majority approved it.

Afterwards, Coun Tynan said residents would have another chance to influence the ultimate outcome when consultation comes about potential new traffic measures.

One public letter supported the scheme, saying it would bring much-needed homes including 28 affordable ones. House design details will come from Wainhomes in the future. And there are recommendations for payments towards health services, traffic improvements, footpaths, open space and youth provision.