An Area Action Plan (AAP) that could deliver 1,300 new homes and significant new employment opportunities to the areas of Fleetwood and Thornton has been given the go ahead following examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

The AAP, which seeks to develop a comprehensive vision and planning framework for the area, bringing forward thousands of homes and providing a clear planning framework for regeneration over the next 15-20 years, has been found 'sound' by an independent Government inspector and will be formerly adopted by Council in August 2009.

Wyre Borough Council prepared the AAP in partnership with several specialist agencies, including leading Manchester-based national commercial property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), which provided a viability assessment of the spatial framework. 

Following which it was submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in April 2009.

The Inspector was impressed with the viability assessment provided by LSH, regarding it as “…a prudent assessment…” which “…applies a valid and recognised approach based on realistic and reasonable assumptions.”

Garry Payne Director of Planning & Regeneration at Wyre Borough Council said: “This is fantastic news for the residents, workers and visitors of Fleetwood and Thornton.  With planning permission already having been granted for significant parts of the area, we are confident in being able to deliver the proposed developments and associated infrastructure."

“The evidence base required to support the AAP was extensive and detailed. Viability work undertaken by LSH was critical to the process with Adam Mirley required to attend virtually every session of the Hearing.”

Adam Mirley, Associate Director in the Planning, Development and Urban Regeneration team at LSH’s Manchester office, said: “The AAP will pave the way for around £1.35 billion of investment, which includes proposals for a new district centre at Burn Haze and at least 150,000 sq m of office and industrial development."

“The AAP is one of very few in the country to have reached this crucial stage and, as a result, has attracted enormous attention from other local authorities.  We are extremely pleased to have been involved in such a prestigious project and are happy with the Inspectors support for the AAP”

For more information about LSH please visit www.lsh.co.uk