Four more homes set for development

PLANS to double the size of a housing development have been approved.

Rossendale’s development control committee voted to approve an application by Brendan and Harrison Kiely to build four more semi-detached homes at land at Hurst Platt, in Rawtenstall, albeit with several conditions.

The approval of the plans means that a further four houses can be built on the site, increasing the development to eight homes.

The Kielys have also outlined their plans to address the historic movement of land at the rear of the four homes, which caused a landslip damaging neighbouring gardens and outbuildings on Hurst Crescent.

In a method statement submitted to the planning department, the applicant states:

“Prior to any works being started we will consult with a structural engineer to ensure that the current rear walls of the houses are sufficient to retain the filled ground which will make up the new garden space.

“If this is not the case we will implement any measures deemed necessary by the structural engineer and building control to ensure the long-term stability and effectiveness of the rear walls of the houses.”

Rossendale council’s consultant engineer Michael Pooler confirmed to the council he was happy to accept the drainage and stabilisation scheme put forward by the applicant for the site and the scheme could proceed. He said: “I would confirm that the modified slope analysis previously requested by ourselves has now been received and checked and deemed to be satisfactory.”

An updated report to the committee by planning officers added that “none of the statutory consultees” objected to the proposed drainage scheme or suggested any specific restriction on the rate of surface water discharge from the site.