Plans for 85 homes on Oswaldtwistle grassland submitted

The plans would see a new development created on land off Blackburn Road in Oswaldtwistle, with the application submitted by Gleeson Homes to Hyndburn Council.

Documents submitted as part of the application show the estate would be created on a patch of open grassland north of Blackburn Road, accessed via a road which currently leads to the Moving People bus company.

Gardens would border existing allotment space to the east of the access road, while to the west the boundary of the site is up to Church and Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club’s ground.

The parcel of land borders Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the east and northeast, with Accrington Golf Club to the north, though the gap between the golf course and the estate would be around 200 metres and around 100m from the canal.

The application’s design and access statement said: “[This] is an opportunity to create a desirable collection of homes at the edge of Oswaldtwistle.

How the estate would be laid out if approved (Image: Hyndburn Council) “The vision is to create community living where modern comfort meets the tranquillity of nature.”

It goes on to say the estate will “respect its natural surroundings, featuring green spaces interwoven with treelined boundaries and hedgerows”, with a dedicated play area and range of house types to meet current demand.

The plans state the land – which includes allotments as part of ‘extended gardens’ belonging to existing properties in Blackburn Road – had its Green Belt status removed 18 years ago, so is designated ‘white land’, meaning it has no specific designation.

The documents add the site is well connected by public transport, with numerous bus stops nearby, the nearest train station a 20-minute walk, and the M65 less than a mile away.

The site viewed from the east (Image: Google) Of the 85 homes planned, 17 would be marketed as affordable housing, 20 per cent of the total, including eight one-bedroom maisonettes, four two-bedroom semi-detached or terraced homes, and five three-bedroom semi-detached or terraced houses.

On the open market would be eight two-bed homes, 48 three-bed homes, and 12 four-bed homes, all a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached properties.

The plans conclude: “The development of Blackburn Road provides a unique opportunity to create a new neighbourhood.

“By balancing modern housing needs with the preservation and enhancement of natural features, this project aims to seamlessly integrate into the character of Oswaldtwistle while contributing to its future growth.”

Public consultation on the application is open until Wednesday, April 16, and to comment, visit the planning section of Hyndburn Council’s website.