The Development Control Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, to discuss several planning applications and other committee matters. Key decisions included the approval of a children's care home in Burnley, a temporary vehicular access for United Utilities works in Chorley, and a wastewater facility in Lytham. The committee also debated and ultimately approved a controversial energy recovery centre proposal in Wyre Borough after significant discussion regarding highway impacts and environmental considerations.

Children's Care Home Approved in Burnley

The committee approved a change of use application for 49 Fairfield Drive, Burnley, to establish a children's care home for up to two young people aged 11-17. The home, to be run by Lancashire County Council, will accommodate children with emotional or behavioural needs, with staff providing 24-hour support. Concerns raised by local residents regarding increased traffic, noise, and potential impact on the residential character of the area were discussed. However, the committee was persuaded by the arguments that the operation would be comparable to a typical family home and that parking provisions were adequate. The national and local policy supporting the need for such facilities was also a significant factor in the decision.

Temporary Vehicular Access for United Utilities Works in Chorley

Planning permission was granted for a temporary vehicular access on land to the north of Myles Standish Way, Heath Charnock, Chorley. This access is required to facilitate permitted development works by United Utilities, specifically the construction of an underground detention tank and sewer infrastructure aimed at improving storm overflow management and reducing pollution incidents into the River Yarrow. The temporary nature of the access, its location within the Green Belt, and the proposed traffic management measures, including a right-turn-only exit strategy, were key considerations. Objections from local residents concerning potential noise, vibration, dust, fumes, and impacts on wildlife were addressed, with assurances that the site would be fully restored upon completion of the works.

Wastewater Facility Approved in Lytham

A change of use application for land to the east of Graving Dock Road, Lytham, to establish a wastewater facility was approved. The development includes the construction of three above-ground tanks, fencing, and associated infrastructure. This project is essential for United Utilities to meet regulatory obligations under the Environmental Act 2021, aiming to significantly reduce storm overflow spills into the Main Drain and subsequently the River Ribble. The proposal seeks to limit spills to no more than 10 per year, with stricter limits for bathing water standards. Concerns raised by Fylde Borough Council and local residents regarding potential odour, noise, visual impacts, traffic, and environmental risks were discussed. The committee noted that the tanks would be coloured green and that landscaping would be implemented to mitigate visual impacts. The proposal was deemed compliant with local and national planning policies, with conditions attached to manage construction impacts and ensure long-term maintenance.

Energy Recovery Centre Approved in Wyre Borough After Debate

Despite significant debate and a brief deferral, the committee ultimately approved the proposed development of an Energy Recovery Centre and associated infrastructure at Hillhouse Business Park, Bourne Road, Thornton-Cleveleys. The application, which had been before the committee on previous occasions, was brought back due to new representations and updated national policy considerations.

Concerns were raised by councillors, particularly Councillor Martyn Sutton and Councillor Rick Edwards, regarding conflicting information in the various reports concerning vehicle movements and tonnages, as well as the overall clarity of the documentation. Councillor Owens also questioned a discrepancy in the number of planning conditions listed between different reports.

The committee considered the implications of the DEFRA 'Residual Waste Infrastructure Capacity Note' and the updated National Policy Statements EN 1 and EN 3. While the applicant argued that the proposal met local needs and that national policy did not directly apply to this project, councillors expressed reservations about potential overcapacity and the need for robust evidence on heat use and carbon capture readiness.

Lancashire County Council Highways officers confirmed no objections to the proposal, stating that mitigation measures would be in place and that the residual cumulative impacts on the road network would not be severe. However, the issue of traffic volumes and the use of Bourne Road as the primary access route remained a point of discussion.

Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the recommendation, with the understanding that a Section 106 agreement would be entered into for highway safety improvements and off-site biodiversity net gain. The decision was made despite some councillors expressing lingering confusion over the highway data.

Other Matters

The committee also noted decisions taken by the Director of Environment and Regulatory under the council's scheme of delegation. These included decisions on screening opinions, compliance with pre-commencement conditions, and non-material amendments to planning permissions at various quarry sites.

The next meeting of the Development Control Committee was scheduled for Wednesday, 15 July 2026.