Major housing development in Blackburn set to take a step forward

A major new housing development is set to take a step forward next week when Executive Board councillors meet.

Councillors will consider a report on the North East Blackburn strategic masterplan.

In the recently adopted Local Plan 2021-2037, this land is identified as a strategic site for housing. 

The development aims to deliver around 1,500 high quality homes to the Brownhill and Roe Lee areas of Blackburn.

A local centre / community hub would also be developed for the 100 hectare site, in line with the Local Plan.

Public consultations will take place as part of the masterplanning process during 2024, and will continue through the outline planning application process.

Development of this site would be spread over several phases, with building work expected to start by 2026.

Coun Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth & Development, commented:

“Following on from the adoption of our new Local Plan in recent weeks, this strategic housing site will underpin our balanced growth strategy. Successful development of the site, with delivery of the first homes on site within the next five years, will be a key element of delivering the overall housing strategy set out within the new Local Plan.

“Taking a proactive approach to moving this site forward, we’ve appointed a contractor to develop a combined Masterplan, Design Code and Infrastructure Delivery Plan, with a view to being in a position to submit an Outline Planning Application in 2025.”

Further detail on the North East Blackburn strategic housing masterplan is available in the report to Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Board on Thursday 8 February 2024.