Council Rejects 250-Home Plan Threatening Carnforth Football Club, Canal Marina
Lancaster City Council planning committee has refused an outline application from Homes England for up to 250 homes at the Lundsfield Quarries site off Kellet Road in Carnforth. Councillors turned down the scheme despite planning officers recommending approval with conditions and a legal agreement.
Reasons for refusal
Members raised concerns that new housing would undermine Carnforth Rangers Football Club. They said housing next to Quarry Park could make football activity incompatible with nearby homes. Councillors also feared extra cars would worsen local congestion and spark noise complaints.
Site and scheme details
The 29-acre former Lodge Quarry Works borders the Lancaster Canal south of Carnforth town centre. Homes England bought the land after developer Redrow Homes failed to deliver an earlier scheme. The outline plan proposed demolition, access works, public spaces and a car and coach park for the football club.
Local organisations’ responses
Carnforth Rangers FC, represented by trustee Neil Wakeman, formally objected. He warned of threats to the club’s viability and called for holistic planning for sports facilities. Carnforth Town Council also objected, citing poor consultation and traffic worries.
The Lancaster Canal Trust raised concerns about the loss of boat moorings and the impact on leisure use. The Canal & Rivers Trust suggested protections for canal infrastructure and enhancements to the waterside.
Planning officers’ recommended conditions
Officers advised approval with a package of mitigation measures. They proposed a car park for the club with at least 58 spaces and two coach bays. Officers sought long-term security of tenure for the club and a developer contribution toward other sports facilities.
Additional recommendations included provision of affordable homes, new traffic signals on Kellet Road, and a £500,000 contribution to support a bus service. Officers also wanted new public open space and a management company to maintain roads, landscaping and drainage.
Council rejects plan
Despite those conditions, the planning committee refused the application. Councillors acted over concerns the development could threaten Carnforth football provision and harm prospects for a canal marina. Filmogaz.com will monitor any further appeals or revised proposals.
