IT was third time unlucky for housebuilders Morris Homes, after planning applications to convert the former Blackburn Home, on St Annes sea front, into apartments were again turned down.

The extensive proposals, put forward by local property developer Crowden Collins, included building 18 two-bedroomed apartments with landscaping and three car park blocks on the derelict site of the former Blackburn Home on Clifton Drive North.

These plans will now have to be put on hold again after the mass of objecting groups and organisations won the day with their wild life, plant life and environmental concerns for the area.

Objections to the planning applications came from various organisations including Defend the Dunes, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Plantlife, Lytham St Annes Civic Society, Lancashire Butterfly Conservation, the British Dragonfly Society and Open Spaces Society.

There was also a 56-name petition against the conversion, and a flood risk assessment had been carried out.

However the overriding factor that lead to the plans being dismissed was the green belt issue, according to Ralph Carter who attended the three-hour meeting yesterday (Wednesday) on behalf of Defend the Dunes.

Mr Carter told The Citizen:" It was a very animated and heated meeting with most councillors having their say on the matter.

"In the end it was refused because of a green belt policy, which is to do with the change of use and alteration to the building. One councillor also pointed out that, in effect, the building would be like creating a hamlet between Blackpool and St Annes."

When Mr Carter was asked his views on the decision he said: "Myself and other members of Defend the Dunes are naturally delighted that it was refused, but I did think that they were dismissive of the flood risk which we see as a very real and costly threat."

Morris Homes were contacted and invited to comment on the refusal, but they had failed to respond at the time of going to press.