Blackburn with Darwen
Pennine Lancashire
Housing Developer Breakfast
Alaska Street, Blackburn Blackburn and Darwen are undergoing a period of significant investment which is strengthening its position in the North West economy and creating conditions for growth. The Alaska St site creates a development opportunity to offer new modern affordable, good quality family homes to meet the needs and aspirations of local communities. It is a key component of housing delivery and underpins economic growth and has development potential to transform by creating a new neighbourhood with a good quality of living space. This cleared site is in a popular housing area close to the town centre. Significant investment over the years has helped transform the area, which has benefitted from two major developments by David Wilson Homes and Places for People.
Context and Location
History and Planning Background
Site Capacity
The site area is 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) in an inner urban area. The site is easily accessible by all forms of transport and the local train station is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the site. The A6077 (Haslingden Road) is a primary road corridor, which leads to Blackburn Town Centre and its public transport interchange or connects to the national motorway.
The site was previously subject to an acquisition and demolition programme which completed in 2010.
There is development capacity for around 75 new units of mixed tenures and affordable housing. As the Borough is significantly under-represented in larger, good quality family homes, development preferences would be for a balanced mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom family homes. This priority site is close to the town centre and offers the opportunity to provide a wider choice of attractive good quality housing. The Council will have a flexible approach to development proposals that comprise a varied scheme mix, which will help to address housing need and assist individuals to realise their aspirations of becoming homeowners.
Ownership The Alaska St site is owned freehold by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
The site originally comprised 146 two storey red brick or stone-fronted terraced houses which were demolished by 2010. The character was strongly influenced by Blackburn’s cotton manufacturing roots. There was limited green space within these residential streets. Some of the terraced rows in the area have now benefitted from external refurbishment. The adjacent Lock 54 development (also built on a demolished site) now provides market sale, affordable rent and shared ownership accommodation. The adjacent open space/ play area has also been significantly improved. The site is ready for development. A desk top study and Phase 2 Intrusive Ground Investigation has been completed which can be made available upon request.
KEY INFORMATION : ALASKA STREET, BLACKBURN Site Area : 1.7 Hectares (4.2 acres) Ownership : Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Planning/Development : Phase 2 Intrusive ground investigation complete Availablity : NOW
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Baileys Field and Marsh House, Darwen Blackburn and Darwen are undergoing a period of significant investment which is strengthening its position in the North West economy and creating the conditions for growth. The land at Baileys Field and Marsh House Lane is housing land allocated in the Council’s adopted Local Plan, and forms part of a housing growth corridor, known as the Darwen Eastern Development Corridor (DEDC), which will use local highway improvements supported through Growth Deal 3 (Lancashire Enterprise Partnership funding) to open up sites close to the rural fringe areas of Darwen. The site has scope to be separated into three distinctive development areas; Baileys Field, Marsh House and Tower View or developed as one large area.
Context and Location
History and Planning Background
Site Capacity
The site is located on the edge of the rural fringe of Darwen, with an area of 24.9 hectares on higher land sitting above the town centre with views across to Darwen Tower.
The site is allocated within the Local Plan for housing development under Policy 16/14 and work on a masterplan framework for the area has already commenced with a good understanding of the site conditions and requirements now in place. The proposed highway improvements via DEDC are likely to proceed in advance of the site’s development with access secured to the site through the early release of the land required. Survey and design work is being progressed.
There is capacity to deliver around 350 new homes. A new development will create an attractive place to live with a strong local identity, characterised by attractive, well-designed buildings and spaces. A new development should widen the choice of housing on offer with regard to house type, quality and size, to rebalance the local housing market and attract new residents looking for higher value market housing, principally larger family homes. Its excellent accessibility supports the location as a sustainable a high quality location for families with the site large enough to accommodate a mix of attractive, well designed homes of various sizes.
Planned improvements under DEDC will ensure this is a highly accessible site with good links to Darwen town centre and its public transport facilities. There are regular public services by rail and bus across the borough with direct links to Preston, Bolton and Manchester and via the M65 Motorway Corridor by car/ bus. The DEDC programme includes new access points into the development plots and across the site.
Ownership The Council owns part of the site; the remainder is in private ownership. Private ownership : Baileys Field Council ownership: Marsh House Lane and Tower View
Any application for the whole site/ parts of the site will come forward with full regard to the wider context and transformations planned under DEDC.
KEY INFORMATION : BAILEYS FIELD / MARSH HOUSE, DARWEN Site Area : 24.9 Hectares (61.53 acres) Ownership : Private and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Location : Above town centre with views of Darwen Tower Capacity : 350 homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Belgrave Mills, Darwen The site is located off Bolton Road (A666) on the edge of the historical core of Darwen town centre - which is approximately 4 miles to the south of Blackburn and 9 miles north of Bolton. Bolton Road provides access to junction 4 of the M65 motorway, circa 2 miles north of the site. Darwen railway station is located 0.5 miles to the north east. Darwen has benefited recently from massive investment. The town’s new £12.7m Leisure Centre opened in January 2010 and is within 100m of the site. The new £49m Darwen Aldridge Academy School is within 500m of the site.
Context and Location
History and Planning Background
Site Capacity
The site is 0.93 hectares (2.3 acres) in size and offers a rare opportunity to acquire a prime site which has been allocated for residential development in Darwen Town Centre. The site has the potential to accommodate both a residential or mixed used development.
Planning permission was granted for 127 dwellings in December 2005. Thirty seven of these have been built, completed and sold. The remaining ninety units, of which a number have commenced and extensive infrastructure work either commenced or completed, are split into 5 distinct sections:
Ownership
1. Belgrave Road - 12 Flats
The remaining developable area has the capacity to deliver around 90 new homes. The combined sites have a capacity to create new homes offering a mix of good quality family housing that creates vibrancy and a sense of place. The site has the scope to create both new town houses and flats in a town centre location close to the historic core.
The site is in private ownership. The proprietor will consider all or part disposal of the site.
2. Central Section - 21 Townhouses 3. Bolton Road frontage 36 Flats 4. Bolton Road frontage 10 Flats 5. Wraith Street - 8 Townhouses
Homes already constructed include 3 storey Town Houses and smaller homes.
KEY INFORMATION : BELGRAVE MILLS, DARWEN Site Area : 0.93 Hectares (2.3 acres) Ownership : Private ownership Development : Potential for residential or mixed use Capacity : 90 homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Cranberry Lane, Darwen Located on the south-eastern edge of Darwen, the north side is bordered by existing residential properties, the west side has a dense belt of trees, which help screen the site, and to the south lies open land. The site offers an accessible and attractive location to create high quality homes and is well placed to provide connections to existing facilities, offering improved access to public open space and children’s play area. A new residential development in this location can contribute to widening the housing options available and create a logical and organic extension to the existing settlement.
Context and Location
Ownership
Site Capacity
The site is 7.31 hectares (18.06 acres) spanning across two fields, separated by an area of scrub/ unmanaged land. Open fields bound the site with a public footpath close by and four Public Rights of Way cross the site. Within a 2km radius of the site, the town centre is a 20 minute walk away, offering a good range of services, including local shops, health services, a number of public houses, four primary schools, and Darwen Academy. The M65 is just over 5km away connecting to the M61 and M6 motorways and Rail links can be accessed at Darwen Station.
The site is in private ownership
There is capacity to deliver around 110 new homes. A new development will create an attractive place to live with a strong local identity, characterised by attractive, well-designed buildings and spaces. A new development should widen the choice of housing on offer with regard to house type, quality and size, to rebalance the local housing market and attract new residents looking for higher value market housing, principally larger family homes. Its excellent accessibility supports the location as a sustainable high quality location for families with the site large enough to accommodate a mix of attractive, well designed homes of various sizes.
History and Planning Background The site is allocated as Housing Land under Policy 16 of the adopted Local Plan Part 2. Outline planning permission was granted for 110 units on 14/09/16. The site offers a development opportunity that can help diversify housing in Darwen and set an exemplar standard of development for new housing.
KEY INFORMATION : CRANBERRY LANE, DARWEN Site Area : 7.31 Hectares (18.06 acres) Location : Within 20mins walk: local shops, health services, a number of public houses, four primary schools, and Darwen Academy. Capacity : 110 homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Whalley New Road, Blackburn Blackburn and Darwen are undergoing a period of significant investment which is strengthening its position in the North West economy and creating conditions for growth. The council is supportive of bringing forward development opportunities on brownfield and vacant sites. The Whalley New Road site has been identified as a development opportunity site in the Council’s Local Plan. It is a key component of housing delivery and underpins economic growth and presents an opportunity to create an attractive new neighbourhood, provide a good quality of living space and widen the choice of housing on offer in the local area. The site fronts a major town centre access road (A666) which connects Blackburn with the Ribble Valley and South to Bolton and Greater Manchester.
Context and Location
History and Planning Background
Site Capacity
The site is approximately 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) and has a 180 metre frontage to Whalley New Road, on the north side of Blackburn town centre.
The site has previously benefitted from planning permission for a housing development.
The site could provide valuable family housing within an established residential area close to Blackburn Town centre. There is capacity to deliver up to 52 new homes.
Ownership The site is freehold in private ownership
It has development potential with prominent main road frontage and is considered suitable for specialist retail/trade counter units and the rear of the site has institutional/educational use potential. No services currently exist, but all mains services are readily available in adjacent streets/side streets. There are easements towards part of the south west corner of the site which benefit United Utilities and relate to underground service pipes laid in connection with foul water containment facilities installed in 2010.
A new development will create an attractive place to live with a strong local identity, characterised by attractive, well-designed buildings and spaces.
KEY INFORMATION : WHALLEY NEW ROAD, BLACKBURN Site Area : 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) Ownership : Private Ownership Development : Potential main road frontage Capacity : 52 homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Feniscliffe Bank, Hillcrest Road, Blackburn Blackburn and Darwen are undergoing a period of significant investment which is strengthening its position in the North West economy and creating the conditions for growth. Our Local Plan is approved and is structured to deliver timely and targeted growth, which includes significant housing opportunities and sites occupying former Green Belt land. The Feniscliffe site lies adjacent to Witton Country Park and overlooks land designated as Green Belt
Context and Location
Ownership
Site Capacity
The site covers an area of 0.91 hectares (2.25 acres) and contains a former older person’s home which closed in 2014 and will ultimately be demolished.
The site is in Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council ownership.
The site could provide a valuable addition to the neighbourhood – replacing the now redundant care home with desirable family housing.
Located to the west of Blackburn, directly off the A674, the site can be accessed from the north from Tower Road and the south from Geddes Street. The A674 connects to junction 3 of the M65 approximately 4km to the south west. Blackburn town centre is approximately 3 km to the north east. The site is also located close to Cherry Tree Rail Station.
History and Planning Background
There is capacity to deliver up to 20 new homes. A new development will enhance the area’s reputation as an attractive place to live with a strong local identity, characterised by attractive, well-designed buildings and open countryside / green space.
The existing vacant building is situated at the southerly corner and the remainder of the site is currently grassland. There is a mixture of housing types in the area, including some large detached dwellings. A number of local amenities are present nearby and the site adjoins open parkland (Witton Country Park) and the Green Belt.
The site is located within the Urban Area according to the Local Plan Part 2, with part of it designated as Green Infrastructure. Full planning permission is to be obtained for redevelopment in order to allow demolition of the existing building. Ecological surveys have been undertaken and discussions held with Natural England.
KEY INFORMATION : FENISCLIFFE BANK, HILLCREST ROAD, BLACKBURN Site Area : 0.91 Hectares (2.25 acres) Development : Full planning permission needed for demolition of the existing building Capacity : 20 homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Haslingden Road (1), Blackburn Blackburn and Darwen are primed for growth and is putting in place a planning framework to release land in order to stimulate housing development and create new employment opportunities within the Borough. The Haslingden Road site has been identified as part of a HCA sponsored Housing Zone area, reflecting the Council’s ambition for housing growth, economic and employment growth and developing employment sites. Close to the M65, this site provides excellent access to the rest of the North West.  Whilst the area will be the catalyst for much of the economic and employment growth, this site provides an opportunity to exploit the potential of developing on a high-quality site at a key gateway.
Context and Location
Ownership
Site Capacity
The site itself extends to 6.9 hectares of housing land with quality open space adjacent to the nearby reservoir which appears to be relatively unconstrained.
The site is owned by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
The site is well placed to access existing and planned employment opportunities along the M65 corridor and at the nearby Royal Blackburn Hospital, which has undergone major redevelopment and has further plans for expansion.
History and Planning Background
Given that strong demand for family housing is anticipated (with potential to also consider higher density bespoke Private Rent Sector units fronting the Haslingden Road) the site has the potential to accommodate 150 + new units of the highest possible quality. PRS type units would appeal to key workers at the hospital and neighbouring employment areas).
The site is allocated for housing under the existing adopted Local Plan. The site also forms part of a Housing Zone (HZ) designated under the HCA’s programme. The wider HZ includes 43 hectares of council owned land in the vicinity of the M65 Junctions 4 and 5; The Royal Blackburn Hospital campus also sits within this area along with strategic employment sites and immediate development opportunities available for various employment uses (office, light and general industrial use).
KEY INFORMATION : HASLINGDEN ROAD (1), BLACKBURN Site Area : 6.9 Hectares (17.05 acres) Capacity : 150+ homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Haslingden Road (2), Blackburn Blackburn and Darwen are primed for growth and is putting in place a planning framework to release land in order to stimulate housing development and create new employment opportunities within the Borough. This site is in a prime location and close to the Council’s site which has been identified as part of a HCA sponsored Housing Zone area, reflecting the Council’s ambition for housing growth, economic and employment growth and developing employment sites. Close to the M65, this site provides excellent access to the rest of the North West.  Whilst the area will be the catalyst for much of the economic and employment growth, this site provides an opportunity to exploit the potential of developing on a high-quality site at a key gateway.
Context and Location
Ownership
Site Capacity
This parcel of land extends to approximately 8.5 acres with full access from Haslingden Road.
The site is in private ownership.
The site lies off the A6077 within this elevated position south of Blackburn Centre and close to Royal Blackburn Hospital and Blackburn Central High School. The town centre is subject to a multimillion pound investment with significant regeneration of the shopping centre. Transport to Blackburn is provided by major road networks with the M65 linking Blackburn to the national M61 and M6 motorways. The redeveloped railway station is served by the northern line whilst Manchester Airport lies within approximately 28 miles to the south east.
History and Planning Background
There is potential to build 79 units or more on the site. Given that strong demand for family housing is anticipated (with potential to also consider higher density bespoke Private Rent Sector units fronting the Haslingden Road ) the site has the potential to accommodate new units of the highest possible quality. PRS type units would appeal to key workers at the hospital and neighbouring employment areas).
Planning permission has been granted for the development of 79 houses. Work has already commenced on site, with the creation of the access road to the site from Haslingden Road.
KEY INFORMATION : HASLINGDEN ROAD (2), BLACKBURN Site Area : 3.44 Hectares (8.5 acres) Capacity : 79 homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Milking Lane/Greenbank Terrace, Lower Darwen The site is in a high profile location on the edge of the motorway on the approach to Lower Darwen and Blackburn, presenting an excellent opportunity for a new residential development on an elevated location just off the M65 motorway on the approach to Lower Darwen and Blackburn. The Milking Lane site is close to the former Lower Darwen Paper Mill that dates back to the early 1890’s. The site is accessed directly from Junction 4 of the M65 via the Eccleshill Link Road (Paul Rink Way) to the west via Greenbank Terrace and also onto Milking Lane.
Context and Location
Ownership
Site Capacity
The site extends to around 9 hectares (22.23 acres) and comprises three parcels of brownfield and greenfield land. There are currently two vacant office buildings on one land parcel.
The site is in private ownership
There is capacity to deliver around 180 new homes. A new development should provide good connections to the surrounding areas with public and private space clearly distinguishable. The development will create an attractive place to live with strong local identity, characterised by attractive, welldesigned buildings and spaces; widening the choice of housing on offer with regard to house type, quality and size, to rebalance the local housing market. Its excellent accessibility supports the location as a sustainable high quality location for families with the site large enough to accommodate a mix of attractive, well designed homes of various sizes.
The site is well located in relation to housing, jobs and infrastructure: within walking/cycling distance of many local services and facilities; and in close proximity to the adjoining primary school. Greenbank Terrace is a main route within the Lower Darwen area providing links to the nearby town centres and beyond, and to the M65 motorway providing excellent communication to the wider motorway network and the cities of Manchester and Preston.
History and Planning Background The majority of the site is allocated as a development opportunity within the adopted Local Plan Part 2, with potential uses identified as employment and/ or residential. A full planning application for 180 units was submitted in 2015, and an earlier outline planning permission was granted in November 2012.
KEY INFORMATION : MILKING LANE / GREENBANK TERRACE, LOWER DARWEN Site Area : 9 Hectares (22.23 acres) Development : Outline planning permission was granted in November 2012 Capacity : 180 homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Queen’s Park Sites, Blackburn Blackburn and Darwen are undergoing a period of significant investment which is strengthening its position in the North West economy and creating conditions for growth. This housing site is a key component of housing delivery and underpins economic growth and presents an opportunity to create an attractive new neighbourhood, provide a good quality of living space and widen the choice of housing on offer in the local area. The adjacent Queens Park is a historic Victorian listed park offering valuable recreational and play facilities which would make new homes at the site popular with families.
Context and Location
Ownership
Site Capacity
The M65 motorway is close to the site with direct links to the M6, M61 and M66 motorways. The sites are located within an attractive part of Blackburn, which is a preferred location for housing.
The sites are owned freehold by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, as is the open space to the south (the site is subject to easements and the lease of the sub-station).
There is capacity to deliver around 80 new homes across the sites. The site has the characteristics to offer a mix of good quality family housing that creates vibrancy and a sense of place. As the Borough is significantly under-represented in larger, good quality family homes, development preferences would be for a balanced mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom family homes that widen housing choice in the locality.
The development sites benefit from the Queens Park frontage with easily accessible local facilities. The development plots at Queens Park provide an opportunity to develop a total of 3.1 hectares (7.6 acres), spanning across three areas and the sizes are: Parcel A 1.3 ha
Former Queens Park Flats
Parcel B 0.9 ha
Queens Park Frontage
Parcel C 0.9 ha
Borrowdale Drive
History and Planning Background The Queens Park development land forms a housing allocation site in the Council’s Local Plan Part 2, which comprises of 3 land parcels. The sites are ready for development and extensive preparation work has been completed. A desk top study, Phase 2 intrusive ground investigation, a topographic survey and constraints survey have been commissioned which can be made available upon request.
KEY INFORMATION : QUEEN’S PARK SITES, BLACKBURN Site Area : 3.1 Hectares (7.6 acres) over 3 parcels Development : The site has undergone: extensive preparation work, desk top study, Phase 2 intrusive ground investigation, a topographic survey and constraints survey Capacity : 80 homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
Roe Lee, Blackburn The Roe Lee development site is a housing allocation site in the Council’s Local Plan Part 2: This strategic housing site in northern Blackburn is a key component of housing delivery and underpins economic growth. It presents an opportunity to create an attractive new neighbourhood, provide a good quality of living space and widen the choice of housing on offer in the local area. The Council’s adopted Roe Lee masterplan outlines the development aspiration for the area to meet the borough’s need for a full range of housing. It also recognises the aspirations and understanding of the requirements of adjoining landowners.
Context and Location
Ownership
Site Capacity
The housing allocation for Roe Lee extends to over 13 ha.
Site A: Council land 7.73 ha (19.10 acres)
There is capacity to deliver around 150 new homes on the Council land (site A). The capacity across the allocated land is estimated at 220+ homes.
The Council site covers approximately 7.73 hectares (19.10 acres). It is bounded by Ramsgreave Drive to the north (A6119 and Whalley New Road (A666) to the east (beyond the railway line). This open grassland site (with established trees and woodland) lies north of Roe Lee Farm. The remainder of the allocated land is defined by Campbell Street, Woolridge Playing Fields, two schools and a Public House. A former mill site has been cleared.
Remainder of the master planned area is circa 5.27 ha (13.02 acres) and falls into a number of separate land ownerships including the Council and a number of private individuals/companies.
History and Planning Background Adjoining landowners (sites B and C) have seen the development potential of the wider area and a planning application is currently under assessment to create 33 new midmarket family homes on the old Roe Lee Farm site. The former Roe Lee Mill has been cleared and is currently being marketed for sale (subject to planning). The North Blackburn area is seeing a surge of interest from developers who are keen to develop in this much sought after area with a number of these sites close by.
The site has the characteristics and capacity to deliver a widened choice of housing on offer expanding the range of house types and enhancing quality and size, to rebalance the local housing market and attract new residents looking for higher value market housing including: larger family homes. The remainder of the Roe Lee area can accommodate a mix of attractive, well designed homes of various sizes.
KEY INFORMATION : ROE LEE, BLACKBURN Site Area : 13 Hectares (32.12 acres) Capacity : 220+ homes
g.sulaman-butt@blackburn.gov.uk | blackburn-darwen.org.uk | 01254 585461
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