The Development Control Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, approving plans for a green waste composting facility expansion and a new children's home. The committee also noted decisions made by the Director of Environment and Regulatory.

Land at Tarnbrick Farm, Kirkham

The committee granted planning permission for a change of use of land from agriculture to green waste composting at Tarnbrick Farm, Kirkham. The application also included the construction of a new access road, a new workshop building, and an extension to an existing storage building.

The proposal was considered a reasonable extension to an established rural business, designed to improve the site's functionality. Measures such as improved internal access, covered working areas, and better site organisation were noted as beneficial for protecting neighbouring amenity and limiting impacts on the rural landscape. Technical assessments confirmed that drainage and highway matters could be satisfactorily addressed.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding proximity to homes, noise, odours, health risks from dust and bioaerosols, increased heavy goods vehicle traffic, and a lack of detail on operating hours and mitigation measures. However, the committee was informed that the site's operations were primarily controlled by an Environment Agency permit, and that no complaints had been received regarding the current operation. The proposal was considered to comply with relevant national and local planning policies, including those relating to rural development, design, residential amenity, highways, biodiversity net gain, and surface water run-off.

Land at 9 Harwood Lane, Great Harwood

Planning permission was granted for a change of use of a residential property at 9 Harwood Lane, Great Harwood, to a Class C2 residential institution. The property will be used as a home for up to two young persons aged between 11 and 17 years, with a maximum of two carers staying overnight.

The application was supported by Lancashire County Council, who highlighted a pressing need for local, high-quality homes for children in their care. The proposal was seen as meeting this need, aligning with national policy and the council's Corporate Parenting Strategy. The property was deemed suitable due to its existing family home characteristics and its location within a stable residential street.

Concerns raised by local neighbours included the suitability of the location for a quiet residential street, potential increases in noise, activity, traffic, and parking problems, and a loss of privacy. There were also concerns about safety and safeguarding due to the proximity of a primary school and a public house, and the potential for an over-concentration of similar uses in the area. However, the committee was reassured that the proposed use would be comparable to a typical family household in terms of activity levels, and that parking provision was more than adequate. The Highways Authority raised no objections. The proposal was considered to meet national and local planning policies for new children's homes.

Decisions Taken by the Director of Environment and Regulatory

The committee noted a report detailing 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 covered various applications across different boroughs within Lancashire.