A NEW housing scheme could be built on a site which has stood empty for years.

Pendle Council has given the go-ahead for the council to work with Calico Homes on the Bankhouse Road site in Nelson for up to nine months to develop proposals for an affordable housing scheme on the land.

One option is for a scheme of around 64 new apartments designed for older people to enjoy independent living, but with care and support on site and opportunities to socialise.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “An agreement to clear the site of housing was reached in 2006 as part of the Housing Market Renewal initiative, but was left undeveloped when the government withdrew funding for work in Pendle in 2011. We have been trying for a long time to find a viable solution for this housing site which is near Leeds Road and Scotland Road in Bradley, Nelson.

“We are delighted that, in partnership with Calico Homes, we may have found a way to develop affordable housing to rent and offer more housing choice for older people in Pendle.”

Borough senior regeneration officer, Judith Stockton, added: “Bankhouse Road Nelson is an excellent location for this type of development.

“It’s near to local shops and supermarkets in Nelson town centre and to leisure opportunities such as the gym, pool and Inside Spa at Pendle Wavelengths.

“It’s also handy for the bus and rail interchange as well as the health centre at Yarnspinners Wharf.”

Pendle Council will be working with Calico Homes, architects and other specialists on plans for the site with a view to a detailed planning application.

Wendy Malone, Calico Homes director of development, said: “We are committed to investing in our local community and ensuring that people of all ages can thrive in secure and comfortable homes, as part of a safe friendly neighbourhood. This development opportunity is all about providing more than just a place to live.

“It’s about the wellbeing of the people who live there, and we’re looking forward to coming together with Pendle Council to work out the best options to achieve this.”

The decision to work exclusively with Calico Homes on proposals for a housing scheme for this site was made at Pendle Council’s Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday 16 January.

A proposal will be brought to Policy and Resources Committee for agreement by September 2020 at the latest.u