Plans submitted for 28 affordable homes in Loveclough

Maybern Planning and Development has submitted an application to build 28 affordable homes and associated works on land west of Burnley Road, Loveclough.

The application is the third significant housing proposal to be submitted for Loveclough within the past month, fuelling growing debate over the scale of development being targeted at the village.

Residents have raised concerns over the loss of greenfield land, the impact on the rural character of the village and increased pressure on roads and local services.

Some objectors have argued that Loveclough has already absorbed significant levels of development in recent years and questioned whether existing infrastructure could cope with further housing growth.

However, the applicants insist the latest proposal is designed to address an identified affordable housing need and would deliver social and economic benefits for the borough while remaining sympathetic to its surroundings.

The latest scheme differs from some of the previous proposals in that all 28 homes would be classed as affordable housing, with the applicants arguing there is significant unmet demand for such properties across Rossendale.

Developers will work in partnership with Together Housing, with the proposal offering properties ranging from one-bedroom apartments and bungalows to four-bedroom family homes, including mews and semi-detached house types.

A planning statement said: "The proposal makes a small incursion into open countryside only and is bound by the allotments to the west that provide a defined extent and essentially a green buffer to the development area.

"It lies immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary, with extensive areas of residential development extending to the east and south on the opposite side of Burnley Road."

The applicant also argues that, to meet affordable housing needs across the borough, Rossendale Borough Council will have to allocate more greenfield sites.

They also point to the fact the authority has failed to meet its affordable housing delivery targets.

A planning statement added: "Only 138 houses were delivered in 2024/25, which was 47 dwellings below the minimum target of 185 and a reduction of 17 dwellings compared with the previous two years.

"The position is worsening and this is a material consideration of weight.

"Furthermore, only six affordable dwellings were delivered in the borough in 2024/25."

Developers say there is a substantial need for affordable housing locally. The application states Rossendale currently has more than 1,700 active affordable housing applications, with 1,331 applicants listing Goodshaw or Loveclough as their preferred locations.

The planning statement argues the scheme would provide "significant" social benefits by delivering affordable housing in an area of high demand while supporting local services and businesses.

Under the proposals, the houses would be built using reconstituted stone with slate-effect roofs to reflect the area's traditional character. A landscaped buffer would also be created along the site's western edge adjoining allotments and open countryside.

Planning documents state the development would have a dedicated vehicle access from Burnley Road and is located next to bus stops served by the X43 Witchway route between Burnley, Rawtenstall and Manchester.

Transport consultants estimate the scheme would generate around 17 two-way vehicle movements during the morning and evening peak periods.