Despite concerns that the proposed housing estate would cause strain on the surrounding roads, healthcare facilities, and schools, councillors have given their approval to the project.
During the meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee, councillor John Slater, leader of the Conservative group, expressed concerns about the proposed construction project at Bank Hey Farm in Blackburn. According to Slater, the size of the project would strain the existing infrastructure of the area.
However, his opposition to the proposal was rejected during a gathering on Thursday evening. This decision was made after taking into account over 360 complaints from locals living in the vicinity.
The “good plan” put forth by Persimmon Homes Lancashire was praised by the Committee’s chairman, councillor Dave Smith, who noted that it had been in the works for quite some time.
‘Overkill’
In the month of July in the year 2023, citizens of Blackburn took to the streets and marched towards the Town Hall in order to voice their opposition against the proposed development of 121 acres (49 hectares) of predominantly grazing land situated between Heys Lane and Bog Height Road.
Mr Slater from Blackburn South and Lower Darwen ward brought their protest to the meeting on Thursday night, as the meeting approved full planning permissions for 553 homes and gave outline approval for an additional 45.
As stated by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he expressed that the submission is “overkill and should be rejected”.
“It will cause problems with the local infrastructure of highways, health services and schools which are already overstretched,” he continued.
Councillor Paul Marrow, the Tory spokesperson for planning, expressed his profound worry regarding the safety of roads in the local area. He stated that they were currently “chock-a-block and not fit for purpose”.
‘A Very Good Plan’
The first stage of the project will include a total of 132 two-bedroom houses, 159 three-bedroom houses, 198 four-bedroom houses, and 64 five-bedroom houses.
The plan involves over 35 acres (14 hectares) of open public space, incorporating parts of preserved forests and a village green to improve the natural environment for animals.
The proposal given the green light, with 73 conditions attached. One of the conditions is a significant contribution of £7.55m from Persimmon, the developer, towards improving the local infrastructure.
An amount of £3.3 million has been allocated to increase the capacity of primary schools in the area, while £3 million will be used to enhance the condition of local roads. In addition, there is a budget of £513,577 to upgrade the quality of healthcare services in the community and £668,008 to improve local sports facilities.
According to the Chairman, Mr Smith, the land in question is not part of the green belt and is not owned by the council. It is primarily privately owned, with only 3% belonging to the council, and has been designated for housing since 2011.
