Lancaster wins garden village bid
Lancaster has been chosen as one of the first in a new wave of ‘garden villages’ to be backed by the Government.
Housing and Planning Minister Gavin Barwell, has announced that the city has been successful in its bid to develop proposals for a new 3,500 home development in the Bailrigg area.
At the heart of the garden village concept is the creation of a new settlement with its own distinct character. High quality design, communal facilities and well-maintained community green space will bring people together and forge a true community spirit.
Garden villages are designed to have their own distinct character, a sense of being a separate place, and sustainable travel connections through public transport and cycling.
Lancaster City Council will now receive tailored government support to help deliver the proposals, which aim to accommodate new homes without seriously harming the very character and feeling of scale which makes Lancaster special.
Coun Janice Hanson, Cabinet Member responsible for Regeneration and Planning, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to extend Lancaster’s housing supply in a manner which respects and reflects the ethical beliefs of the local community. In last year’s consultation into developing a new Local Plan for the district, local people told us that the Bailrigg area was the preferred area for growth.
“Designing it as a garden village gives us the chance to deliver this growth in a carefully considered approach, with the university campus and sustainable transport networks.”
The next stage is for the council to work with local communities and land owners in a sophisticated master planning exercise to shape proposals and design the key infrastructure needed to make it work and manage land drainage.
Lancaster University will be a key partner in delivery of the plans. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Mark E. Smith said: “The University is pleased to be working in close partnership with Lancaster City Council to develop a Masterplan for this exciting garden village opportunity for the Lancaster community.”
Last updated: 09 January 2017