OF all the planning applications submitted to Hyndburn Council over the years, the plan for the Hill Top site submitted by I Care Ltd in late December must be the most bizarre.
In 2005, Lancashire County Council closed Hill Top Care Home to the great dismay of the public, and left it to rot.
Both Haworth Park and the Hill Top site are in the Christ Church Conservation area. The developers have designed so high a building and of such a high density that in every way it looks out of all proportion to the surrounding area.
Of the 112 residents in the flats, some will me middle aged (55+) and others elderly. Sixty-four flats to rent and eight to buy. Car parking for residents will be a problem.
The adjoining Haworth Park and Art Gallery were given by William Haworth to the people of Accrington for their use and pleasure – but not to property developers and their residents’ cars.
The art gallery is a lovely building that houses the famous Tiffany Glass, the council’s ‘jewel in the crown’. It’s a real tourist attraction but perhaps not for much longer.
Over 20 trees would be felled, some mature and a few diseased.
There will be a meeting tomorrow (Thursday, February 4) at 7pm in the Baxenden St John’s Primary School (off Manchester Road) when the developers will give a presentation and questions can be asked.
You are all most welcome.
ALDYTH MacTAGGART, Hollins Lane, Accrington.
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