Slyne with Hest Parish Council Responds to Lancaster's Call for Development Sites: Balancing Growth with Preservation
11th of March, 2025
Lancaster City Council is working through the process of developing a new Local Plan. They have announced a call for development sites within the district where new housing can be built as part of its Local Plan. This initiative aims to identify suitable land to meet the growing housing needs of the whole district.
Slyne with Hest Parish Council has expressed significant concerns regarding the inclusion of certain local parcels of land that currently serve as greenbelt, preventing the merging of two distinct settlements. The Parish Council fears that developing these areas could lead to the coalescence of the settlements of Slyne and Bolton le Sands, undermining the greenbelt's purpose to protect against urban sprawl.
A pre-planning application has been submitted to Lancaster City Council for homes to be built on part of the land in question, located in Bolton Le Sands parish. We believe that if permission is granted for this development, it would inevitably lead to further development over our side of the parish boundary, increasing the risk of merging these two historic settlements.
Recently, residents have contacted the Parish Council to understand and seek reassurance of councils their stance on the matter. The Parish Council is committed to ensuring that residents have a voice in local matters. They commissioned a Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted following a vote by the residents. The City Council must consider this important document when evaluating any planning application.
While Parish Councils have limited powers, Slyne with Hest councillors can object to planning applications and will always do so when development is obviously not what residents want. Councillors will do whatever they can within their authority to support their residents wishes. The Parish Council remains dedicated to advocating for the community's interests and preserving the character and separation of existing settlements.
For more information, please visit Lancaster City Councils Local Plan website. https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/local-plan-review