The Development Control Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to discuss planning applications and other development control matters. Key decisions included the granting of planning permission for a junction reconfiguration on the A582 in South Ribble Borough and the approval of an outdoor classroom facility in Hyndburn Borough. The committee also noted decisions made by the Director of Environment and Regulatory under the council's scheme of delegation.

Hyndburn Borough: Outdoor Classroom Approved

The committee granted planning permission for a change of use of an area of greenspace to an outdoor educational facility for Woodnook Primary School in Accrington. The proposal, part of the council's Levelling Up Fund bid, will provide an outdoor learning environment for pupils, addressing a lack of such facilities at the school. While the development involves the loss of a small area of public open space, this is considered to be offset by proposed enhancements to the remaining open space, including surfaced footpaths and new landscaping. Concerns raised by local residents regarding noise, visual impact, and loss of open space were considered, with conditions attached to mitigate these issues, including the colour of fencing and the implementation of new landscaping. The proposal was deemed to align with national and local planning policies, particularly regarding the provision of educational facilities and the enhancement of green infrastructure.

South Ribble Borough: A582 Junction Reconfiguration Approved

Planning permission was granted for a significant reconfiguration of the Croston Road junction on the A582 in Farington Moss, Preston. The project aims to improve traffic flow and journey times by replacing the existing double roundabout with signal-controlled T-junctions. The scheme includes new cycle tracks, pedestrian crossings, and the rerouting of Centurion Way. Environmental mitigation measures, including a water attenuation pond and landscaping, are incorporated.

The application was considered a departure from the Development Plan as it involved land allocated for employment use. However, officers concluded that the affected area had limited development potential due to constraints and that the improved infrastructure would significantly benefit existing businesses, including Leyland Trucks, by providing better access and traffic management. Concerns raised by Leyland Trucks regarding traffic modelling and the loss of employment land were addressed, with the applicant's modelling deemed robust.

The development is located within the Green Belt, but it was determined that the proposed transport infrastructure is appropriate as it preserves openness and meets a demonstrable need for a Green Belt location. Conditions were attached to address archaeological concerns, requiring a strip, map and record investigation, and to ensure the protection or relocation of a historic milestone. The scheme also incorporates measures to manage flood risk and enhance biodiversity, with conditions requiring detailed drainage and habitat management plans.

Decisions Taken Under Scheme of Delegation

The committee received an update on decisions made by the Director of Environment and Regulatory under the council's scheme of delegation. These decisions related to various planning applications and prior approvals across different boroughs, including:

• Lancaster: Prior approval for roof-mounted solar PV at Westgate Primary School.
• Fylde: Non-material amendments and compliance with conditions for developments at Stanley Villa Farm and Moss Farm, and compliance with conditions for a development at Ream Hills.
• Preston: Provision of a new car park at Moorbrook Special School, non-material amendments and compliance with biodiversity net gain conditions for Cottam County Primary School, and works at the Lancashire Record Office.
• South Ribble: Non-material amendments and compliance with drainage and highways conditions for developments at Stanifield Lane and Woodcock Estate.
• West Lancashire: A retrospective application for a change of use of agricultural land to waste management at M D H.
• Burnley: Compliance with a condition regarding fence design for a development at Southfield Lane Lay-By.

These decisions were noted by the committee.