A group of residents fighting to save a field from housing developers will need to wait eight weeks before they find out whether the land can be listed as an 'asset of community value'.
The row over the potential development of Bailey's Field in Darwen escalated last week, when residents living close to Ellison Fold Way set up a Parkland Trust to try and protect the field, which many people use for recreational purposes.
Bailey's Field, Darwen
The council received an application from Altham-based McDermott Homes back in February, proposing for more than 300 new houses to be built on the field, but after concerns were raised over the dangers of open mineshafts, which had been found on the site, as well as the loss of wildlife habitats, residents nominated Bailey's Field to be listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
Darwen residents continue fight over Bailey's Field by applying for 'official protection'
And after consulting with Historic England and the Coal Authority, on Wednesday evening, the Parkland Trust had their nomination accepted.
The mineshaft on Baileys Field in Darwen has attracted a lot of attention over the last week. Credit: Northern Monkeys
A spokesperson for the residents' group said: "We are very pleased that our nomination for Bailey’s Field to be listed as a community asset has been accepted.
"As part of the community bid process, we have now been granted an eight week consultation period from the council.
Bailey's Field in Darwen
"This is so that the nomination can be assessed and to ascertain whether the land should be included on Blackburn with Darwen’s list of assets of community value."
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A formal decision on whether the land can be granted ACV status will be made by May 21.
ACVs form a part of the Community Right to Bid, and act as the first stage in identifying assets that have a main use or purpose of furthering the wellbeing or interests of the local community.
The new hole near Ellison Fold Way.
Once listed as an ACV with the council, if the site is listed for sale within the five year listing period, the community can then enact the Community Right to Bid, which gives them a moratorium period of six months to determine if they can raise the funds to purchase the asset.
Open mineshaft in Darwen field provides perfect filming opportunity for Burnley's Northern Monkeys
The spokesperson continued: "As a group, we will support people in contacting their local councillors and the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council planning department.
Parkland: Ellison Fold Parkland Trust aims to preserve the green space
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. This isn’t over yet, but we are heading in the right direction."
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