Revised 97-homes plan for site near cricket club
JON MACPHERSON
SCALED back plans for a large housing development in
Accrington have been resubmitted to the council.
Countryside Properties PLC and Lancashire County Council have lodged a joint application with proposals to build 97 homes on land off Ribblesdale Avenue, close to Accrington Cricket Club and Higham Playing Fields.
The Observer reported in July 2019 how plans were unveiled to build 108 homes on the same site with access from Ribbleton Drive.
However the scheme was withdrawn in November after concerns were raised ‘in relation to layout, woodland impacts and access’ and resulted in a decision to ‘revise the scheme in line with comments received from council and consultees’.
The 6.3 acre site is currently vacant and overgrown, but part of the site was previously used for household waste landfill.
The applicants say the area was reclaimed a number of years ago and earmarked for residential development, however this stalled due to market conditions.
The new officers proposals include a mix of two, three and four bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached properties with 206 car parking spaces.
In a statement to planners, they said: “The development will include a mix of tenures, with 52pc market housing for sale and 48pc family private rental housing.
“The build to rent component will be developed in partnership
Sigma.
“Economically, the proposed development will create jobs during construction.
“The increase in residents may result in an increase in spending and investment in the local area.
“Several shops and local businesses may benefit from the increase in local population.
“Socially, the proposal with will broaden the range of housing available in the area.
“The proposal has been revised to significantly reduce the number of terraced properties.”
The plans do not include any affordable housing as the applicants say it would ‘render the scheme unviable’.
A decision will be made by planning officers in the next few months.