Land at Virginia Cottage, Bennetts Lane, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 5BE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would accord with the Council's development plan strategy for housing, with particular regard to density; whether the proposal would be an efficient use of land; and the need for the type of dwellings proposed
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, with respect to its effect on trees
• whether the proposed development would provide appropriate tree planting
• whether a planning obligation is necessary in respect of matters relating to affordable housing and open space

What decided it

The proposal fails to make efficient use of an allocated housing site by providing substantially fewer dwellings than previously approved, conflicting with the Council's housing strategy for the South Blackpool Housing Growth Area, and the absence of a completed planning obligation to secure required contributions for affordable housing and public open space.