The Development Control Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026, approving a new children's home in Burnley and a wastewater facility in Lytham, while deferring a decision on an energy recovery centre in Thornton-Cleveleys. The committee also approved temporary access for utility works in Chorley.

Children's Home Approved in Burnley

The committee approved a change of use for a property at 49 Fairfield Drive, Burnley, to become a children's care home for up to two young people aged 11-17. The home will be run by Lancashire County Council and will provide a supportive environment for children with emotional or behavioural needs. Concerns raised by local residents regarding traffic, parking, and noise were addressed by the council, who stated that the home would operate similarly to a family household and that parking provisions were adequate. The decision aligns with national policy to increase the provision of local homes for looked-after children.

Wastewater Facility Approved in Lytham

A change of use application for land east of Graving Dock Road, Lytham, to establish a wastewater facility was approved. The development, which includes three above-ground tanks, fencing, and associated infrastructure, is necessary to meet regulatory requirements for reducing storm overflow spills into the River Ribble. The facility aims to reduce spills to no more than 10 per year, and three during bathing season, thereby improving water quality. Concerns about odour, noise, visual impact, and traffic were addressed by the applicant through mitigation measures, including landscaping and a revised construction management plan.

Energy Recovery Centre Decision Deferred in Thornton-Cleveleys

The decision on the proposed Energy Recovery Centre at Hill House Business Park, Bourne Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, was deferred. The application, which has been before the committee multiple times, faced renewed objections related to national policy on waste infrastructure capacity, heat export, and carbon capture readiness. Councillors expressed confusion regarding conflicting figures in the various reports presented and sought further clarity on highway movements and tonnages. The committee voted to defer the decision to allow for more detailed explanations on these variances.

Temporary Access for Utility Works Approved in Chorley

Permission was granted for the construction of a temporary vehicular access on land north of Myles Standish Way, Heath Charnock, Chorley. This access will facilitate permitted development works by United Utilities, including the installation of an underground detention tank to prevent flooding incidents into the River Yarrow. The temporary access is designed for heavy goods vehicles and includes a right-turn exit strategy to improve safety. Concerns from local residents regarding HGV traffic, noise, safety, and environmental impacts were considered, with the council noting that the temporary nature of the access and the proposed traffic management measures would mitigate these concerns. The development is considered acceptable within the Green Belt as it is temporary and preserves openness.

Other Business

The committee also noted decisions taken by the Director of Environment and Regulatory under the council's scheme of delegation. These included screening opinion requests, compliance with pre-commencement conditions, and non-material amendments to existing planning permissions. The next meeting of the Development Control Committee was scheduled for Wednesday, 15 July 2026.