PEOPLE are being urged to help shape a plan which could see as many as 2,000 new homes built in Huncoat.

Hyndburn Council has launched it's Huncoat garden village consultation and is asking people in the borough to form the vision, design and development of Huncoat’s garden village when consultation on the proposals begins on November 1.

The consultation runs until November 11.

Residents, businesses and community groups will have the chance to find out more about the garden village proposal for Huncoat and share their views on the initial masterplan options, which set out where future housing, employment and community space could be located.

The former colliery and power station were earmarked as potential sites in the early stages of the plan.

Council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said: “We recognise the potential of Huncoat in playing a pivotal role in meeting the needs of the borough and Pennine Lancashire through housing and employment growth.

"The garden village concept will ensure any future development of Huncoat transforms the village for the benefit of both existing and future residents. Throughout the 11-day consultation period there will be a number of ways for you to to find out more about the proposals for a garden village and air your views, so please get involved and have your say.

"We’re also running drop in sessions where consultants from our planning consultants, Arcadis and Planning Officers will be on hand to explain the masterplan options and answer any questions.”

Drop in sessions are on Saturday from 10am to 4pm at St Augustine's Church, Bolton Avenue, Huncoat and Tuesday from 3.30pm to 7pm at Huncoat primary school.

A second session will be held at Huncoat primary school from 3.30pm to 7pm on Thursday, November 8 before a final session on Saturday, November 10 from 10am to 4pm at Accrington town hall.

Cllr Parkinson added: "It’s important to point out that the purpose of the masterplan is not to provide detailed designs but to identify the opportunities available, potential land uses, develop an understanding of infrastructure requirements and any particular considerations and constraints that should be factored into future detailed design.

"Once the preferred option has been selected further consultation will take place early in 2019 to help finalise the garden village proposal and plans.”

See the council’s Huncoat Garden Village website at www.huncoatgardenvillage.co.uk for more information and an online questionnaire.

Consultation closes at is 6pm on Sunday, November 11.

Hyndburn council bosses said plans for the garden village in Huncoat, first announced by the cabinet last year, are progressing well.

The masterplan work is due to be complete early in 2019 and will include new places to live and work, and will include up to 2,000 new homes.

Cllr Parkinson said development will also provide a significant employment space for logistics, manufacturing and commercial premises.