The proposals for the area north of Ashford House in Ashton Road have been made to the city council by the applicant WVC Lancaster Limited. 

A new access road would also be built as part of the development, which would also feature public open space and associated infrastructure. 

 

It is believed the scheme would "considerably add to the supply of housing" in the city, and provide more benefits than the previously refused proposals for two holiday lets or a single property at the site. 

 

Part of the 3.55 hectare site is considered to be previously developed land with a horse boarding stable, paddock, arena, and associated access. The remainder of the site consists of agricultural land. 

The homes would be split between 25% first homes, 37.5% shared ownership and 37.5% affordable rented in accordance with guidelines. 

 

The city council is trying to change the policy to reflect the current split for affordable sale and rented homes, the proposed split is 25% first homes, 25% shared ownership and 50% affordable rented. 

Housing would be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom, as well as bungalows and apartments. 

 

The applicants said: "The site is in a sustainable location that is accessible with different modes of travel." 

"With improvements to the road next to the site, they say a safe and attractive link could be provided to the canal towpath." 

Residents have expressed their concerns with the city council, particularly over the high number of plans for new houses in the area and the subsequent impact on traffic. 

Additionally, they mentioned the dangers for cyclists along the route, as well as the detrimental effect the plans could have on people's enjoyment of the popular canal path. 

 

There has also been concerns regarding the adverse effects on wildlife in the area. 

One resident said: "This area is integral to our Lancaster heritage. The canal and British Waterways area of natural beauty should be maintained and unspoiled for the support of wildlife and birds and for the enjoyment of everyone in Lancaster and visitors to Lancaster." 

"Already there are thousands of houses being considered for south Lancaster. The development onto the canal corridor is totally unnecessary." 

 

Another said: "I object to this proposed housing development because it would result in loss of space for and increased human pressure on nature and wildlife; as well as reducing the wellbeing benefit for existing residents using local green spaces." 

 

The application has also drawn criticism from The Lancaster Group of the Ramblers Association. 

They said: "This is a popular and well used stretch of the canal which is easily accessible by many people." 

"The site is one of the few with an outlook which is rural in appearance and not fringed with developments or trees. It would make an ideal open space." 

While many potential buyers can get caught up in the excitement of looking for a new house, it is important to remember everything that goes into buying a house, and be prepared for the entire process. One of the most important aspects of this is finding a reliable conveyancing solicitor to guide you through the process, and handle the legal side of things, so you can organise the move itself. 

 

Here at MG Legal, our specialist conveyancing solicitors in Lancaster are on hand to assist you with the process of buying your property. Working with our expert team will ensure that everything is done properly and in accordance with legal requirements, and is the best way to prevent delays or problems throughout your property purchase. 

 

Our conveyancing solicitors in Lancaster are full of expert knowledge on the local area, and happy for our clients to come and see us in one of our office locations, but we also specialise in online conveyancing, meaning that you can work with us from anywhere across England and Wales, from the comfort of your own home, while have regular contact with your conveyancing solicitor in Lancaster over email, over the phone, or by video call, whichever works best for you. 

 

Our team of conveyancing solicitors are known for our honest, friendly, and reliable approach, and we believe in speaking to our clients like real people in a simple and easy to understand way, rather than the legal jargon associated with many more traditional conveyancing solicitors. When you work with MG Legal, if you have any questions for your designated conveyancing solicitor throughout the conveyancing process, they will be ready and available to answer any questions or queries that you have, right away. 

 

If you would like to speak to a specialist conveyancing solicitor in Lancaster today, and learn more about how we can help with your property purchase, simply contact us online today here, and speak to a conveyancing solicitor within one working hour. Our team always go above and beyond to cater to our clients needs, and offer a tailored service to each one, depending on what works best for them and their schedule.  Our conveyancing solicitors in Lancaster offer all of our services at a clear, fixed-fee rate, and you will never have to worry about any hidden fees or extra costs throughout the process. You can see a full collection of our properly conveyancing fees, here.