Steven Abbott Associates Helps Reverse Planning Refusal in Blackpool
Steven Abbott Associates (SAA) has obtained planning permission on appeal for a 26 two bedroom apartment scheme in Blackpool.
Situated in the North Beach area, the application was initially refused by Blackpool Borough Council as it was felt that the scheme would prejudice the comprehensive development and regeneration of the area.
The refusal was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds that the proposed ‘North Beach Plan’ at the centre of the Borough’s refusal does not currently exist, and that the proposed development is not detrimental to the comprehensive development or regeneration of the area.
With planning permission previously acquired for the development of a six storey block of holiday apartments on the site, the alternative scheme will deliver 26 residential apartments, and is fully in line with local action plans to steer the area towards housing led regeneration. The development will include the appropriate provision for affordable housing.
The Inspector also endorsed the case put forward by SAA on behalf of the applicant that the Council’s approach to open space provision does not reflect up-to-date national planning guidance as the Council had not undertaken detailed local assessments or set appropriate local standards. On that basis the suggestion of a condition requiring a developer contribution towards open space provision was rejected.
The applicant is Mr Michael Robinson
The scheme architect is Firth Associates
(July 2009)
