HCA returns with new-look plans to build 77 homes

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has returned with new-look plans to develop 77 homes on the edge of Lancaster city centre.It has submitted a hybrid planning application to Lancaster City Council to transform an 8.5-acre plot of land at Royal Albert Farm on Pathfinders Driver to the south of the city centre, which borders an operational NHS facility known as the Orchards. The HCA is seeking outline permission to construct 71 homes and full consent to convert the existing Derby Home building into six apartments.A mix of house types is envisaged for the site and the illustrative masterplan allows for a variety of three-, four- and five-bedroom properties to provide quality family housing. Meanwhile, Derby Home would contain three one-bed, two two-bed and one three-bed apartments.In May 2015, the HCA submitted an outline planning application to redevelop the site, which included the case for demolishing Derby Home. Following discussions with the local authority, it is now proposed that Derby Home would be retained.The scheme’s planning consultant is Nexus Planning while Broadway Maylan has provided design and masterplanning.