I’m still committed to saving Fleetwood Radar station

Proposals to turn one of the Fylde coast’s most distinctive buildings into a unique house are still in the pipeline for 2026.

Businessman Iain Garnell was thwarted in his plans to transform Fleetwood’s Grade II listed former radar station into a quirky home, after planners at Wyre threw the scheme out in October.

The distinctive oval-shaped property, on The Esplanade, was snapped up for £97,000 early last year by the Leicester-based architect, who aimed to restore the dilapidated building to its former glory as a ‘mega one bedroomed live-work apartment.’

Despite the setback, Mr Garnell says it was predominantly just one aspect of the scheme which planners were concerned about – the proposed sewage waste system.

And he says he is in the process of liaising with companies which would be able to address that issue.

He said today: “It was disappointing but I am optimistic that the project can still go ahead and that a new planning application can be submitted as early as February.

“I’m in the process of contacting companies which would be able to set up a sewage system which would meet the requirements of the planners.

“As I said previously, it is no longer required as a radar station, that’s why it was sold in the first place.

“If this project doesn’t get approved, what will happen to this building, who will maintain it?

“The fact is that it will deteriorate and be lost forever.”

Architects’ plans showed a modern home with incredible views over Fleetwood beach, as the building is one of the few to be located on the beach side of the promenade.

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

Mr Garnell 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 when the scheme went before Wyre’s planners, it was unanimously rejected by councillors, who also heard from objectors who spoke at the meeting.

Concerns about the sewage plan was the chief reason to reject the application, but members of Fleetwood Civic Society raised concerns that it was an inappropriate use for a Grade II listed building, while the planning officer stated there were insufficient details about plans to ensure its character would not be altered.

The planning meeting heard that the sewage system would be located directly under the building and there would be concerns about unacceptable odour, which would be an issue not only for Mr Garnell but anyone who wanted to rent or buy the property.

It would also potentially be an issue for the operators of a nearby ice cream and coffee kiosk.

However, Mr Garnell added: “With this project, the building will be restored and people will be able to stay in it and enjoy it, once the sewage issue has been addressed.”

The ex-radar station also created a buzz in November when TV presenter Sarah Beeny shared a photo of herself on Facebook, pictured outside the building with a cameraman, although no further details were divulged.