Housing estate approved despite local objections

The scheme includes more than 35 acres of public open space including sections of retained woodland and a village green

Proposals for a housing estate which some locals fear will swamp roads, health services and schools have been approved by councillors.

Councillor John Slater told Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee the scheme at Bank Hey Farm in Blackburn was too big for the local infrastructure to cope with.

However, the Conservative group leader's plea to reject the scheme was refused at a meeting on Thursday, which also considered more than 360 objections from local residents.

Committee chairman and Labour councillor Dave Smith said the proposal by Persimmon Homes Lancashire was a "good plan" that had been a long time in the making.

In July 2023, residents marched through Blackburn to the town hall to protest at the plans for 121 acres (49 hectares) of mainly grazing land between Heys Lane and Bog Height Road.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said Mr Slater told the committee on Thursday that the application was "overkill and should be rejected".

"It will cause problems with the local infrastructure of highways, health services and schools which are already overstretched," he said.

"It will come home to roost.

"The council is building, building, building and there will be more to come."

Fellow Tory councillor Paul Marrow said he was deeply concerned about safety on local roads which were already "chock-a-block and not fit for purpose".

However, the Labour-led council's planning committee voted overwhelmingly to grant full planning permissions for 553 homes and outline approval for another 45.

'Very good plan'

The initial phase of the development will consist of 132 two-bedroom homes,159 three-bedroom houses, 198 four-bedroom houses and 64 five-bedroom homes.

The scheme also includes more than 35 acres (14 hectares) of public open space, including sections of retained woodland and a village green aimed at enhancing natural habitat for wildlife.

The meeting approved the planning officer's recommendation to grant permission with 73 conditions, including a £7.55m developer’s contribution from Persimmon towards boosting local infrastructure, providing local primary schools places, upgrading highways and local NHS services and supporting local sports facilities.

Mr Smith said the land was neither green belt or council-owned and was "97% private land".

"It has been allocated for housing since 2011.

"It’s been a long time in the making and in my opinion is a very good plan."

Speaking after the meeting, Persimmon Lancashire land director Andrew Laing said the firm was "pleased that committee members have voted to reaffirm the council’s recommendation for approval".

"This development will provide a range of house types for young people, families and downsizers alike with excellent access to local amenities," he said.

He added that in addition to "delivering much needed quality new housing, approval of these plans also secures further investment in Blackburn".