Planners reject former radar station apartment plan

The new owner said he wanted to create a "unique and thoughtful unit" reflecting the historical significance of this building

An architect's plan to turn a seafront radar station into a "mega one-bedroomed live-work apartment" has been thrown out by planners.

The single-storey building, on The Esplanade, in Fleetwood, Lancashire, is a former naval facility which Iain Garnell bought for £97,000 after it had lain empty for several years.

But Wyre Council's planning committee unanimously refused the proposed renovation of the radar station on the grounds that the building was completely unsuitable for the intended scheme.

A range of concerns, including the scheme's proposed handling of any sewage and waste disposal arrangements, to fears about flooding, and the inappropriate use of a listed building, scuppered the plans.

There were two parts to the application – firstly the change of use of a former naval radar station to residential dwelling and the installation of a sewage treatment plant in the ground beneath the building.

Secondly, proposals to grant Listed Building Consent for the works.

Both were recommended for refusal by the planning officer, who found the proposed sewage tank – directly underneath the property – made it unacceptable, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.