Blackburn affordable homes approved despite open space loss

Euxton-based Roxford Ltd can now proceed with building the new housing estate despite concern over the loss of green open space and six public objections.

Blackburn with Darwen Council planning and highways committee approved the scheme when it met on Thursday night with 22 conditions, including a developer’s contribution totalling £154,143, broken down as follows: Health £19,470; Education £87,024; and Public Open Space £47,649.

The public objections were on grounds including over-development of the site, parking and traffic.

West Pennine Reform UK councillor Angela Crane expressed concern about the loss of open green space, but Ewood Labour councillor Jim Casey said: “It’s a really well thought-out application.”

Borough growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood said the proposal was welcome and met a need for affordable family homes in the borough.

Planning manager Gavin Prescott told the meeting: “Support for the application would secure permission for a mix of 20 family-sized dwellings.

“Detailed assessment of the application finds that the development, on balance, accords with the council’s strategic growth objectives, through delivery of in-demand affordable housing which would help broaden the choice across the borough, and make a valued economic, social and environmental contribution.

“Part of the site is designated as open space.

“The site is in proximity to the Bank Hey Farm Development, granted planning permission to Persimmon Homes in 2024 for 598 homes.

“Each of the proposed dwellings has a front and rear garden with at least two on-plot parking spaces with an integral, linked or detached garage.

“The proposed development is a combination of three and four-bedroom properties, with 13 three-bedroom properties and seven four-bedroom.

“The houses are designed in a traditional form, with the majority two storeys in height together with a terrace of two and a half storey houses reflecting the predominant scale of development in the locality.

“It is proposed that the houses are finished in red brick and grey tiled roofs. This again takes a traditional approach, which reflects the character of the wider area.

“The site includes an area designated as Open Space in the Local Plan – eight plots would be built within the open space.

“The area has a surplus of amenity green space of 2.37 hectares. The application proposal will result in a loss of amenity green space of approximately 0.15 hectares or 6.3 per cent of the surplus.

“Elevations of the proposed dwellings are designed to possess articulation and interest.”