Housing go-ahead at football ground

STUART PIKE

WORK will start in the New Year on a 95-home affordable housing development at the former home of a football club.

Reserved matters planning permission for the site at Dark Lane, Newchurch was granted to applicant Together Housing at Rossendale council’s development control committee.

The former Rossendale United football ground has been earmarked for residential development for several years, and the committee said they were minded to agree an outline application for up to 100 homes by Culzean Developments back in February of this year.

Together Housing was then granted outline permission in August, following the signing of a section 106 planning agreement.

The latest reserved matters agreement finalises access, appearance, layout, scale and landscape details.

In his report, planning manager Mike Atherton said: “The proposed scheme would replace the dilapidated structures and overgrown former football club pitch on the site and it is considered that the development would result in an improvement to the general appearance of the site. The submitted plans demonstrate that the proposed scheme will maintain adequate separation distances between the proposed dwelling elevations and existing neighbouring properties.

“It is not considered that residential use of the site will necessarily cause any greater impact on neighbour amenity than the former lawful use of the site as a football ground.”

Two letters raised concerns of traffic, on street parking, construction noise, overdevelopment, inadequate open space and anti-social behaviour.

However, the application was approved by councillors.

●● Left, the proposed housing development and, above, former Rossendale United ground Dark Lane

Following the meeting Hilary Brady, Together Housing Group head of development, said: “Together Housing is working in partnership with Rossendale Council and Homes England to develop 95 much needed new homes for affordable rent in the local area.

“Work will start in the New Year and is planned to complete in 2022”.

●● Haslingden High School’s charity team with hospice fundraiser Joanna Williams