PLANS to build 110 houses on former hospital land at Ashton Road in Lancaster have been given the go-ahead despite local opposition.

This week the ambitious Bellway Homes proposal to build luxury houses on a greenfield site south of the city was granted despite pleas from Green councillors to block the development.

Describing the move as a "sad day for Scotforth," local Green councillors united to condemn the scheme which they claim will create acute traffic congestion.

The new development will swallow up several fields which used to belong to the Royal Albert Hospital, between Ashford Road, Ashton Road and the railway line. It will be predominantly made up of luxury detached homes with ensuite bathrooms and double garages and some predict an added 900 extra car trips per day to local roads.

Many local residents had also objected to the plans.

Cllr Emily Heath said "This is a sad day for Scotforth. We are losing another piece of our much-loved countryside and the community is getting very little in return. This estate is completely unsustainable. It goes against all the latest national planning policy guidance on housing densities, energy efficiency and reducing the need to travel. "

Cllr Tony Pinkney added: "These homes will appeal to wealthy, car-dependent commuters but what most local people want and need is smaller, affordable houses near shops and jobs. The extra traffic is a real worry. It's difficult to see how the narrow roads around Piccadilly could take any more traffic without endangering lives". The planning application was given outline permission in January 1999 but the details were not approved until this week. Planning officers told the committee: "I consider that the proposal will provide a second phase to the redevelopment of the Royal Albert Hospital. It is entirely in line with the principals of the Lancaster District Local Plan."

This week environmentalist warned that Lancaster could develop into a vast urban sprawl unless greenfield development is checked.

North Lancashire Friends of the Earth are concerned that Government Inspector Peter Young recommended in his report that more land be set aside in the south of the city for redevelopment.

He identified greenfield sites at Burrow Beck, Bailrigg and Newlands Road.

Dave Horton of North Lancashire said: "With everyone getting hot-under-the collar about the bypass, the Inspector's recommendations for increased house building in the district are being ignored. But they should be of grave concern to all of us. We strongly oppose the designation of ever-greater areas of the countryside for low-density, car-dependent, energy hungry luxury homes that will contribute little to the area whilst adding to already existing problems of congestion and environmental destruction."

He added: "These kinds of development will attract people who work in places like Preston or Manchester and will do little for local shops and businesses.

"I've heard that some of the new houses have four bathrooms!

When there is so much space for new homes close to the city centre it is ridiculous to be thinking about giving over more of our precious countryside to the kinds of homes most of us can only ever dream about."