An application to build 79 new homes on 'poor quality' farmland submitted to the council has already raised 18 letters of objection.

The plans, lodged with Pendle Borough Council last week by Ben Wilkinson of Beck Homes, propose to erect 79 two, three, four and five bedroom dwellings on presently open land to the north of Wheatley Lane Road in Barrowford, adjacent to Oaklands.

The application states that the land is 'poor quality, unused farmland', and states that Beck Homes is keen to retain its local links and is 'confident that it can deliver the 79 dwellings at Oaklands in an efficient, high quality and respectful manner, over a predicted four-year construction period'.

Beck Homes prepared a consultation leaflet to inform local residents about the proposal and requested feedback.

Of the 260 leafleted properties, 18 replies were received, all objecting to the proposal primarily on the grounds that Barrowford had already been the subject of a number of residential applications and risked damage to its highway system or village facilities if more dwellings were constructed. 

Beck Homes is an award-winning residential developer with experience delivering high quality housing in Pendle and the wider north and east Lancashire areas.

A supporting planning statement read: "Beck Homes has a close and successful understanding of the local housing market as reflected in its present scheme at Red Lane, Colne where 57 dwellings of varying design and size are being constructed on a site with similar characteristics to the Oaklands proposal.

"The projection for completion of 79 new houses on Oaklands scheme will include an average build-out rate of 20 dwellings per annum, which is similar to that achievaed by Beck Homes at the Red Lane scheme above."

A pre-application request was made to the council in early 2021, and highlighted the site’s sustainable qualities, through its close relationship to existing development on three sides, and the strong bonds which could be created with the existing village fabric.

It also included indicative details of the proposed layout and scale, having been guided by preliminary reports and advice prepared by specialist consultants.

Of particular concern, at that time, was the need to form a safe vehicular access to serve the new development from Wheatley Lane Road while at the same time respecting the important features created by the perimeter stone wall and line of mature trees - both of which have been identified as important elements of this part of the Barrowford Conservation Area.

The officer guidance concluded that, subject to compliance with the sustainable aims of National Policy (NPPF) and other relevant local plan policies, the principle of residential development was consistent with the adopted Local Plan being sited in a readily accessible location, immediately adjacent to the Barrowford settlement boundary.

The planning statement went on: "A housing scheme in this location would contribute to the five year housing requirements identified in the Local Plan, with the residential potential of this site having already been identified by the council.

"The applicant acknowledges that this is a sensitive site whose development should be undertaken with care, respecting the landscape and the amenities of local residents.

"Its Red Lane, Colne development portrays similar characteristics but has progressed in a careful manner, delivering quality dwellings to a sensitive setting.

"The applicant is confident that the Oaklands scheme can be progressed in a similar high quality manner.

"On a more local level, there is no material conflict with the policies of the Barrowford Neighbourhood Plan, adopted in October 2019.

"It is recognised that the Plan was prepared to reflect the wishes of the local population and expresses the need for a sensitive and balanced approach to be taken to any future development.

"That is because the Plan also recognises the contribution which Barrowford would inevitably make, as an M65 Corridor settlement with a close relationship to Nelson and the main employment area at Lomeshaye."

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans, whether that be in support or opposition should do so before June 3. More details of which can be found on the council's planning website.