Developers McCarthy and Stone want to build retirement flats on the
Greaves Hotel site. The plan is to convert the Hotel and build 4 storey
blocks of accommodation on the car park. There would be around 50
residents, aged 80ish, plus 17 staff who would be on site at all times
since this development is between sheltered housing and a care home. There
would also be an on-site restaurant.
As local residents, we are concerned about the large scale of this
development. A 4 storey building would tower over the area, blocking the
view completely from the main road and dominating nearby houses, cutting
off light and infringing privacy with overlooking windows.
Residents in nearby streets are also worried about car parking - where
will 50 residents plus 17 staff and assorted visiting health
professionals, friends and family, park ? There is no way they can all fit
onto the existing site, which will have 2 large blocks and landscaping.
So that means an overspill into Ash Grove and nearby streets,
inconveniencing residents and causing a traffic hazard in what is already
a built up area.
And what is the new development going to be built from ? The developers
talked about a "statement" building at a meeting I attended with them as
part of the "pre-consultation" - does this mean glass and concrete totally
out of character with the stone and slate of Lancaster
This blog is our chance to make our voice heard so the planners and
developers do not ignore our wishes and make money at our expense. We only
live here after all.
