The Development Control Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to approve two significant planning applications. The committee granted permission for an outdoor classroom at Woodnook Primary School in Accrington and for major highway improvements at the A582 junction in Farington Moss, Preston. The minutes from the previous meeting held on 4 December 2025 were also approved.

Hyndburn Borough: LCC/2025/0001, Land to the south of Woodnook Primary School; between Belfield Road and Royds Street, Accrington

The committee approved the planning application for a change of use of an area of green space to an outdoor educational area for Woodnook Primary School. This decision was made despite some local residents raising concerns about the loss of open space, potential impact on wildlife, and visual amenity. The report to the committee highlighted that the proposed development, part of the council's Levelling Up Fund bid, would provide much-needed outdoor learning facilities for the school, which currently has limited natural play areas. To offset the loss of open space, the applicant proposed enhancements to the remaining area, including new surfaced footpaths, landscaping, and wildflower meadow seeding. These improvements were deemed sufficient to outweigh the loss of the small area of open space, satisfying policy requirements. Councillor Martyn Sutton noted that the document was confusing, initially referring to the area as an outdoor play area rather than an outdoor classroom, which he felt may have contributed to some of the objections. The decision was approved, subject to planning conditions, including those relating to landscaping, biodiversity net gain, and the colour of the perimeter fencing.

South Ribble Borough: LCC/2025/0008, Land at Croston Road A582 junction, Farington Moss, Preston

Permission was granted for a significant reconfiguration of the Croston Road junction on the A582. This project involves replacing the existing double roundabout with new signal-controlled T-junctions, incorporating a combined cycle track, six Toucan crossings, and rerouting Centurion Way. The scheme also includes a water attenuation pond, landscaping, and ecological mitigation areas, as well as temporary construction compound areas. The application was considered a departure from the Development Plan as part of the works would take place on land allocated for employment use. However, officers argued that the loss of this constrained hectare of land, which is also within a flood zone, was outweighed by the strategic benefits of the highway improvements. These benefits include improved traffic flow and journey times on the A582, enhanced safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and better access to key employment sites like Leyland Trucks. Leyland Trucks had objected to the application, citing concerns about the loss of land for future expansion and the traffic modelling. However, the committee was informed that these concerns had been addressed by the applicant. The scheme also addresses environmental considerations, including flood risk and biodiversity net gain, with conditions attached to ensure these are managed appropriately. Councillor Hutchinson highlighted that securing planning permission was crucial for the council to obtain significant funding from the Department for Transport for the wider A582 improvement programme. Concerns were also raised by Councillor Martyn Sutton regarding an objection from United Utilities about water mains and sewers, and by Councillor Ashley Joynes regarding archaeological investigations, with a recommendation for a more detailed strip, map and record approach. The decision to approve the recommendations was made, subject to a comprehensive list of planning conditions covering time limits, working programmes, environmental management, archaeology, drainage, and landscaping.

The meeting also noted decisions taken on development control matters by the Director of Environment and Regulatory in accordance with the County Council's Scheme of Delegation. These decisions, which had already been made, covered various applications across different boroughs, including prior approvals for solar PV installations, non-material amendments to existing permissions, and compliance with conditions for various developments.