Housing developers told to pay for local healthcare

The plan includes five bungalows and 12 apartments for supported living

Developers have been told they can go ahead with a housing scheme in Lancashire if they provide funding for local healthcare.

The proposal by Issa Group is to demolish a derelict building at the Craiglands site on Hillylaid Road, Thornton, and erect 17 supported living accommodation units, consisting of five bungalows and 12 apartments.

Councillor Ken Minto had cited concerns in respect of over intensification of the site, additional vehicle movements and unsuitability in a high retirement area but councillors approved the plan.

The application was different and smaller to a similar scheme approved on the same site in 2023.

James Cart Homes had planned 33 apartments for people aged 55 and over but that was withdrawn.

The latest application was by the Issa Group, an umbrella group based at Bamber Bridge, Preston, whose activities include the running of community healthcare centres and care for the elderly.

The proposal, which had been recommended for approval by the planning officer, was approved by councillors subject to conditions including that funding was provided for local healthcare, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In a planning and design statement in support of the application, architects and town planners, Cassidy & Ashton, stated: "The reduction in scale from previous applications for the site, proposing 33 dwellings, integrates more appropriately within the existing urban context.

"The amount of development proposed is considered appropriate for the size and proposed use of the site."

A report from the planning officer stated: "The proposed development is acceptable in principle and no unacceptable impacts have been identified in respect of design, amenity, highways safety, drainage, flooding and ecology.

"All other material impacts have been assessed and found to be acceptable and overall, subject to conditions and financial contribution towards healthcare, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable."

The applicant will need to fulfil a 106 agreement to provide funding for local healthcare before the project can proceed.

One of several conditions was that none of the supported living units should be occupied until the parking and turning areas have been laid out, sorted and drained.