New plans for derelict land
JONATHAN GRIEVE
PLANS to turn derelict land in Hyndburn into supported living accommodation for adults with learning difficulties are back on the table.
A planning application has been submitted to Hyndburn council proposing to build six supported living units on land adjacent to Back Owen Street, Accrington.
A similar scheme was knocked back by borough planners last year and applicants J&R Plant Hire UK were also unsuccessful in an appeal to government planning bosses, who said
whilst the proposal would have an acceptable effect upon the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians; it would not make adequate provision to deliver social housing.
Planning inspector Katie McDonald said no arrangements had been made to transfer the development to a social housing provider or equivalent when complete.
But now J&R Plant Hire UK bosses have resubmitted plans for the development and are in discussions with council bosses to draw up a section 106 agreement detailing obligations to find a provider to run the site.
Under the terms of the section 106 agreement, planning permission would be void if no provider is found.
The site is a former industrial plot which has been redundant and dilapidated for many years. It is located behind Owen Street between the railway embankment and an existing terraced row of houses immediately to the north.
The proposal is a single storey courtyard development, consisting of 6 living units and associated landscaped gardens.
The units would be staffed by care workers who assist the residents to live a semi-independent life, with all necessary assistance on site. The residents would fit the description of ‘mild to moderate’ learning difficulties. Bosses say the main aim is to provide a very high standard of personal care and support in a warm and friendly environment which encourages personal choice, independence and dignity.
A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: “Great care has been taken to produce a scheme that provides high quality dwellings, flexible in their ability to cater for the widest range of inhabitants.
“The scheme also provides quality outdoor space, both private and communal for a site which is currently in an extremely poor state. The scheme has been revised and amended to take into consideration the views of the local residents and statutory consultees.
“The design and appearance of the proposal is high quality, modern and contextual to Accrington and the immediate context and would be a catalyst for positive change in the area.
“The site has many constraints and is currently in a dangerous condition.
“Whilst the development of the site will be costly, it will undoubtedly improve the area and is a great opportunity for regeneration, which will remove many of the negative attributes of the site.
“It would be detrimental to the environment and local residential amenity for the site to remain in its current condition for the foreseeable future.”