Radar station home plan 'still on' after knock back

An architect has vowed to continue with a plan to turn a seafront radar station into a "mega one-bedroomed live-work apartment" despite it being thrown out by planners.

The single-storey building, on The Esplanade, in Fleetwood, Lancashire, is a former naval facility which Iain Garnell bought for £97,000 after it had lain empty for several years.

Wyre Council's planning committee unanimously refused its renovation in October over a range of concerns, including the proposed handling of any sewage and the inappropriate use of a listed building.

Despite the setback, Garnell said: "The project is still on."

Councillors agreed with the planning officer, who raised concerns about the scheme's sewage system, which was felt to be in the wrong position and would lead to unacceptable odours for the occupants.

Fleetwood Civic Society, who attended the meeting, also raised concerns that it was an inappropriate use for a Grade II-listed building.

Garnell said: "I'm bringing in specialist drainage and sewage contractors to set up a sewage system which is acceptable to planners.

"That was the main reason the application was refused and those concerns will be addressed.

"The fact is, this building cannot be returned to its old role as a radar station, that history is over.

"I'm proposing to keep it in use, in a different way, so that it can be properly restored and last forever. If it is just left, it will deteriorate and be lost forever."

Built from reinforced concrete, the building sits on stilted columns which lift it off the ground, protecting it from incoming tides.

Garnell had submitted an application to Wyre Council planners for a change of use of a former naval radar station to residential dwelling and installation of a sewage treatment plant in the ground beneath the centre of the building.

He also applied for listed building consent for the work.

But the planning meeting heard that the sewage system would be located directly under the building and possible odours could be an issue not only for Garnell but anyone who wanted to rent or buy the property, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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