Mixed-use Lancaster scheme back before committee

A mixed-use development – including an extra care scheme – lined up for Lancaster has been recommended for approval almost a month after being deferred.The application is earmarked for the University of Cumbria’s Bowerham Road site.Proposed is bringing down the Sarah Witham Thompson, Gressingham and Melling Halls, Black Box Theatre, Old Dining Room and the Long Corridor buildings. The majority have been vacant for “some time”.In their place would be a four-storey block of extra care apartments, with two non-designated heritage asset buildings also set to be converted to provide open-age apartments with no provision of care.All units would be operated by Progress Housing, with a total of 108 proposed.The application was deferred from Lancaster Council’s most recent planning committee meeting on 1 March due to late concerns expressed by the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and United Utilities, which officers felt could not be overcome through imposition of conditions and to seek assurances from the applicant over the accuracy of the submitted visual imagery.The University has since submitted additional information relating to the proposed drainage system.The committee, which will meet on 29 March, has again been advised to approve the plans.