NEWS UPDATE The following is a letter sent to Fylde Borough Council on 4th October 2003 concerning proposals to build a very bulky block of flats on the site of three bungalows in Lytham. Re: PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 03/0796 Erection of 3 storey block of 24 no. apartments following demolition of 25 and 27 Seafield Road and 24 West Beach The Civic Society would like to record their opposition to the demolition of the three bungalows as listed above which were designed by Tom Mellor in the late 50's. There were originally three separate plots and Tom Mellor prepared sketch designs for each house. Each house was then built by an individual client to his design. They were planned as a cluster to create a harmonious grouping of houses of a similar style but differing in the detail. The whole group is of more significance than each house on its own. Tom Mellor CBE was a nationally recognised architect who ran a practice from Park Street in Lytham in the 1950's and 60's. His practice was highly regarded and Tom Mellor, the founding partner, undertook many significant commissions both locally and throughout the country. Many of his buildings received awards from the Civic Trust. He was also awarded the CBE for his services to architecture. He designed university buildings in Liverpool, Birmingham, Sheffield, Salford and Lancaster including:
He designed three churches, in New Longton (Civic Trust Award), Mereside, Blackpool and Lancaster. More locally, in Lytham and St Annes, he designed several buildings which included:
This site, as already noted, lies within the Conservation Area and acts as a gateway site to the area of Lytham dominated by the Green. It is charming and characterful and in keeping with the Lytham we wish to retain. The demolition of these houses would allow the perpetuation of the blocks of flats we see emerging and beginning to dominate Clifton Drive between Fairlawn and the White Church. If this type of development is allowed to continue within the Conservation Area it will erode the character of the town and the quality of the environment which makes Lytham the place that it currently is. COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS FOR FLATS ON THE SEAFIELD ROAD/WEST BEACH SITE The current application for a 3 storey block of flats, is in effect 4 storeys high as it has additional accommodation within the roof pitch. The flats are all accommodated within a single block which turns the corner. The scale is that of an extremely dominant building when sited within a residential scale environment. The Seafield Road elevation submitted with the application does in fact emphasise the sheer size and massing of the proposals and in contrast illustrates how charming and well detailed the Victorian houses along Seafield Road are. Seafield House itself, although larger in scale than its neighbours is dwarfed by the proposed block of flats. Visually the proposals are bland lacking modulation and refinement of the elevations. There is also a modest overstepping of the building line which will again increase the dominance of the block on this most key site in town planning terms. It is the view of the Civic Society that this most significant location, currently occupied by a charming group of domestic dwellings designed by a local well known architect, should remain as at the entry to Lytham Green. This grouping sits comfortably within the Conservation Area and adds to the character of the area. The proposed block of flats will alter the character and scale of the area and could well set a precedent for the demolition of several domestic dwellings on the Beach and within Lytham. It is for these reasons that we feel permission should be refused. Marion Coupe (Chairman), Sue Cornah |
