DETAILED plans have been lodged for the second phase of the Sappi Paper Mill site redevelopment.

The second phase of the plan details infrastructure put in place to support the large scale redevelopment of the site, which could see up to 450 new homes built in Blackburn.

The latest application, which follows detailed plans for the first 96 new homes being granted approval, details the construction of a new access road, the creation of a new river channel and diversion of the River Roddlesworth into the newly created channel;

The application also includes plans for a new road bridge over the new river channel and creation of two new ponds/settling lagoons/attenuation features and associated infrastructure.

The plans show how the new estate will be linked with new road junctions to Moulden Brow and Livesey Branch Road, as well as a new spine road provided connecting the new junctions serving the development site.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: "The vision for the site is to create an approach which is welcoming and responds positively to the local landscape context and character.

"Spine roads into and around the development will provide strong linkages and this will be further enhanced with tree avenue planting.

"Private drives are to be treated at a pedestrian scale with appropriate surfacing, street trees and ornamental planting to help define garden plots and boundaries.

"Creation of Public Open Spaces provide amenity use for residents within the development and will enrich wildlife friendly planting of the locality.

"Canal-side enhancements will improve linkages through the site and connect green spaces and link green infrastructure and habitats.

"Sustainable drainage to provide opportunities for habitat creation to benefit the overall ecology of the site."

In November, the council’s planning committee heard applications had been submitted for the remaining five phases of the development comprising 150 homes; landscaping; 16,000 square feet of industrial units; 171 properties; and finally 30 more houses.

Strict conditions have been put in place regarding flood risk management and drainage for the site, much of which was under water after 2015’s Boxing Day floods.

It also agreed changes to payments associated with the development after a requirement to build a community centre and children’s playground were dropped and other housing developers working in the area agreed to pay for road improvements.

Now the firm behind the scheme, Blackburn Waterside Regeneration Ltd, has increased the total sum from £423,000 to £825,000.

Of this £105,500 will go towards affordable housing and £350,000 to improvements and renovations at the nearby Feniscowles and Pleasington Sports and Social Club.

The final £360,000 will pay for the replacement of two 12-year-old all-weather pitches on Witton Country Park by new full-size artificial grass equivalents with new changing rooms and floodlights,