The Development Control Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. The meeting considered several planning applications, including a proposal for a children's home in Burnley, a waste management facility in Lytham, and temporary access for utility works in Chorley. The committee also debated a complex application for an energy recovery centre in Wyre Borough, ultimately deferring a decision on that item.

Children's Home Approved in Burnley

The committee approved a change of use application for a property at 49 Fairfield Drive, Burnley¹, to be used as a children's home for up to two young people aged 11-17. The home will be run by Lancashire County Council and will provide care for children with emotional or behavioural needs. 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 reassured that the operation would be comparable to a typical family home, with adequate parking provided. The decision aligns with national policy supporting the provision of local accommodation for looked-after children.

Wastewater Facility Approved in Lytham

A change of use application for land east of Graving Dock Road, Lytham², to establish a wastewater facility was approved. The development includes the construction of three above-ground tanks and associated infrastructure. This project is necessary to meet regulatory requirements under the Environmental Act 2021³, aiming to significantly reduce storm overflow spills from the Lytham Pumping Station into the Main Drain and subsequently the River Ribble. Objections from local residents concerning potential odour, noise, visual impact, and traffic were addressed. The committee noted that the tanks would be located a sufficient distance from residential properties and that landscaping measures would be implemented to mitigate visual impacts.

Temporary Access for Utility Works Approved in Chorley

Planning permission was granted for the construction of a temporary vehicular access on land north of Myles Standish Way, Heath Charnock, Chorley⁴. This access is required to facilitate permitted development works by United Utilities⁵ for the installation of an underground detention tank and sewer infrastructure. The project aims to improve storm overflow management and reduce pollution incidents into the River Yarrow. Concerns were raised by local residents regarding increased heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic, noise, safety, and environmental impacts. However, the committee was satisfied that the temporary access and traffic management plan would keep construction traffic away from residential streets, and that the site would be fully restored upon completion of the works. The development was deemed acceptable within the Green Belt⁶ due to its temporary nature and the fact that it supports essential local transport infrastructure.

Energy Recovery Centre Application in Wyre Borough Deferred

The committee debated the application for an Energy Recovery Centre at Hill House Business Park, Bourne Road, Thornton-Cleveleys⁷, which has been before the committee on previous occasions. Significant discussion centred on conflicting information regarding vehicle movements and tonnages, as well as concerns about the clarity of the reports presented. Councillors expressed confusion and a desire for further clarification on highway impacts and tonnage figures. While the officer recommendation was to approve the application, a motion to defer the decision for further clarity was put forward. Ultimately, the motion to defer was lost, and the committee proceeded to vote on the original recommendation. The application was approved, subject to a Section 106 agreement and conditions.

Other Decisions

The committee also noted decisions taken on development control matters by the Director of Environment and Regulatory in accordance with the County Council's Scheme of Delegation⁸. These included several applications for screening opinions, non-material amendments, and compliance with pre-commencement conditions across various boroughs within Lancashire.