Planning permission approved for new council homes in Skerton
Bold new plans to provide 135 new council homes on the site of the former Skerton High School in Lancaster have been given the green light.
Skerton High proposals
On Monday (December 16) Lancaster City Council’s Planning Regulatory Committee approved the proposals, which are part of the authority’s regeneration ambitions for the Mainway estate.
The design proposals reimagine the former school site in a boldly presented scheme of modern apartments and housing that reflect jthe heritage of the area. At its heart are two sets of new apartments with a large central square providing shared amenity space to encourage a sense of community and to provide a space where residents can meet and socialise.
The central square is complemented by a lawn to provide a place for people to gather with cafe style seating around the edge, with an additional community area on the ground floor of one of the apartment buildings providing an indoor space. Behind the apartment blocks will be three friendly terraces of two, three, and four bedroom houses, with reduced traffic flow and play space for children.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council and cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said:" It's wonderful to have the planning permission through for the Skerton site. This development is a huge step forward in our regeneration efforts for Mainway and I am thrilled that these exciting proposals have been approved.
“It’s not just about building new homes, but about creating a vibrant community space that people can be proud of, and it will make a real difference to local families and the wider Lancaster community.
“I’m particularly excited about the emphasis on sustainability, which sets the standards that we want others to follow."
All of the buildings have been designed to create highly insulated homes to keep the amount of energy required to heat them to a minimum. Solar panels on all of the flat and south facing roofs will allow renewable energy to be generated on site.
Additional facilities provided as part of the proposals include children’s play facilities and two new football pitches, complete with changing facilities for players and officials. The two rows of cherry trees that line the entrance way and frame the playing fields at the front of the site will be retained.
Last updated: 17 December 2024