Concern over Baxenden care home flats plans (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Concern over Baxenden care home flats plans

5:40pm Monday 25th January 2010 in

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A BID to transform a dilapidated care home site into a four-storey flats development has caused concern among residents.

The bid would see the boarded-up former Hill Top care home, in Manchester Road, Baxenden, demolished and a flats development with landscaping and parking built at the site next to the Haworth Art Gallery.

Though home owners in Manchester Road and Newton Drive said they welcomed development at the site, which has been plagued by anti-social behaviour, they feel a four-storey development, with a fifth level in the roof space, is too imposing.

Residents are also worried about the on-site provision of just 20 parking spaces for a total of 64 flats, although a plan to provide eight spaces at the Haworth Art Gallery is thought to be an option the developer I Care Ltd is exploring.

Residents claim the plan would see the new building built too close to the road on an elevated piece of land and would see the removal of 21 trees.

Manchester Road resident Anthony Helliwell said: “It’s puzzling that they want to build so many levels. Why don’t they just set the building back, or go for a more acceptable height.

“The only reason I can think of is that they are wanting to take advantage of the stunning views of the Coppice and Hambledon hills behind us.

“If they build it high enough and close enough to the road, they will be able to look over our rooftops at the incredible scenery, but we will be looking at this huge monstrosity looming in front of us.

“No one is concerned about the type of development, because something is needed, but it has to be more appropriate.”

Manchester Road resident Ann McEvoy added: “It’s a huge high-rise development in part of the Christchurch Conservation area, yet there have been no meetings with residents about it.

"Residents are particularly worried about the effect the development will have on the Haworth Art Gallery, as the proposed buildings are not in scale or sympathetic to this listed building.”

A Newton Drive resident added: “The parking situation has everyone worried.

"It’s already busy during the school run and when events are on at the gallery.”