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Thornton residents continue to object to controversial plans for new retirement flats - as the developer itself doubts the project's viability should affordable housing costs be imposed.

Plans to demolish the Craiglands property on Hillylaid Road, Thornton, in order to build 33 retirement flats in its place, sparked controversy in July 2019 when trees surrounding the house were felled.

Neighbours and Wyre residents voiced their concerns about the disruption of nesting birds and potential harm to wildlife during the works.

But Wyre Council said the trees felled were not protected by a Tree Preservation Order, enabling developers to destroy them.

The trees surrounding Craiglands on Hillylaid Road in Thornton (pictured) were cut down before developers submitted a request for planning permission to Wyre Council in 2019. An application is pending for 33 new retirement flats in the property's place.

Since then, the council pledged to investigate Thornton residents' claims that the developers, Poulton company James Carter Homes, had breached The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The Act outlines that all nesting birds and their eggs are protected by law, and therefore "intentionally or recklessly disturbing any wild bird while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturbing the dependent young of such a bird" is an offence.

The Gazette contacted Wyre Council for an update on the progress of the investigation.

Objections mount to controversial Thornton flats proposal