The Development Control Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, approving a new children's home in Burnley and a wastewater facility in Lytham, while deferring a decision on an energy recovery centre in Wyre Borough. The committee also approved temporary access for United Utilities works in Chorley.

Children's Home Approved in Burnley

The committee approved a change of use application for a property at 49 Fairfield Drive, Burnley, to become a residential care home for up to two young people aged 11-17. The home, to be run by Lancashire County Council, will provide a supportive environment for children with emotional or behavioural needs. Concerns raised by local residents regarding traffic, parking, and noise were addressed by the applicant, Michael Noon, who assured the committee that the home would operate similarly to a family household and that any issues would be managed promptly. Councillors noted the national and local need for such facilities, aligning with the council's Where Our Children Live strategy.

Wastewater Facility Approved in Lytham

A change of use application for land east of Graving Dock Road, Lytham, to establish a wastewater facility was approved. The development, which includes three above-ground tanks, fencing, and associated infrastructure, is intended to significantly reduce storm overflow spills into the River Ribble, bringing the facility into compliance with the Environmental Act 2021 and stricter bathing water standards. One objection was received concerning potential odour, noise, visual impacts, and traffic, but officers concluded these would not cause significant harm due to the site's proximity to existing industrial uses and the implementation of mitigation measures.

Energy Recovery Centre Decision Deferred in Wyre Borough

The committee considered an application for an Energy Recovery Centre at Hill House Business Park, Bourne Road, Thornton-Cleveleys. The application, which had been before the committee twice previously, was brought back due to new objections and updated national policy. Significant debate occurred regarding conflicting information across various reports, particularly concerning vehicle movements and tonnages. Councillors also raised concerns about the lack of clarity on highway volumes and the potential for confusion due to the extensive documentation. Ultimately, a motion to defer the application for further clarity on these points was lost. The committee then proceeded to vote on the original recommendation to grant planning permission, which was carried.

Temporary Access for United Utilities Approved in Chorley

Planning permission was granted for the construction of a temporary vehicular access on land north of Myles Standish Way, Heath Charnock, Chorley. This access is to facilitate permitted development works by United Utilities for an underground detention tank aimed at preventing flooding incidents into the River Yarrow. The temporary nature of the access, its restoration after works, and traffic management measures were key considerations. Objections from local residents focused on concerns about heavy goods vehicle traffic, noise, safety, and environmental impacts. Lancashire County Council Highways Development Control raised no objection to the revised plans, and the temporary nature of the access, along with its eventual reinstatement, was deemed acceptable.

Other Business

The committee also noted decisions taken by the Director of Environment and Regulatory under the council's scheme of delegation. The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 15 July 2026. The committee then moved to Part II of the meeting, which was not open to the public.