40 new Great Harwood homes set for vacant brownfield land

Social housing provider Onward Homes hopes to have the £6million development between Wood Street and Chatburn Close in Great Harwood complete by July next year.

The construction timetable was revealed by the firm’s growth and regeneration director Stephen Heverin after Hyndburn Council gave the scheme detailed planning permission.

The 40 two-bedroomed homes will be made up of 32 semi-detached houses, four end terrace and two mid terrace properties and two bungalows.

The brownfield site has previously been used as a haulage plant depot and there remains one small storage building on the site near Wood Street.

At the time the initial outline application was approved, concerns were raised about the impact on woodland near the site.

Homes England has contributed £1.56million towards the £5,944,209 development.

Mr Heverin said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Hyndburn Council once again to transform this previously disused site into much-needed homes for affordable rent in Great Harwood.

“This latest development demonstrates our continued commitment to addressing housing need within Hyndburn and we look forward to delivering these quality homes, with further sites to follow in the future.

“All of the homes will be for affordable rent.”

He added that Manchester-based Onward, one of the largest providers of social housing in the North West, plans to break ground at the end of the month.

Cllr Loraine Cox, Hyndburn Council’s housing and regeneration boss, said: “We are delighted that Onward was able to progress and secure planning consent for the Wood Street site during COVID-19 lockdown, and that construction work is due to start by the end of July. 

“There is a pressing need for new, high-quality affordable homes in Hyndburn and this development demonstrates the value of the council’s long-term partnership with Onward in meeting Hyndburn’s future housing needs.”

The project will be overseen by architect JDA.