New affordable homes for Blackburn move closer 

A new multi-million pound estate of 152 social homes for affordable rent is set to move a step closer this week.

Councillors have been recommended to approve the proposed Whitebirk Park estate in Blackburn.

The scheme includes the creation of new road, diversion and improvements to Public Right of Ways, park upgrades, with landscaping, parking and an electricity sub-station.

The new estate has been proposed by social homes provider Together Housing and Place Capital supported by Homes England and replaces 57 demolished houses on the Whitebirk Estate constructed between 1930’s and 1950s.

The new properties will be on a 7.6 acre site covering Hereford Road and streets around it, including Worcester Road, Brecon Road, Devon Road and Gloucester Road.

Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee on Thursday will be asked to approve the planning application subject to 30 conditions despite three objections from nearby residents.

The councillors have also been recommended to waive the £863,044 in developers’ contributions requested for school places, health provision and highways that would normally be imposed because and independent audit said it would make the development financially unviable.

The proposed estate would be made up of 46 one-bedroom apartments, 36 two-bedroom maisonettes, 54 three-bed houses, nine two-bedroom houses and seven four-bed houses.

The multi-million pound investment will include upgrades to green spaces such as the park off Hereford Road – with plans for new play equipment and seating alongside open and accessible pathways, plants and green space.

An officers report recommending approval says: “Support for the application would regenerate areas of the former council estate, through delivery of high-quality replacement and additional affordable housing (including on plot parking) of an appropriate mix; improvements to an existing public park; enhanced landscaping; and other associated works.

“Detailed assessment finds that the development would accord with the council’s strategic growth objectives, through delivery of in-demand, affordable housing which would broaden the choice across the borough.

“The inclusion of a number of proposed four-bed homes would help broaden the choice of house types on the estate.

“The site, approximately two miles to the east of Blackburn town centre, has good accessibility from the strategic road network and the M65,

“Planting will contain a wide range of planting types and habitats with native and ornamental species providing opportunity for wildlife.

“Wildflower meadow, bulb, native hedgerow and tree planting will add sensory experience, structure, and positively contribute to biodiversity.

“The existing multi-use games area is retained and improved.

“A new equipped play area would be provided as well as an area for informal play, central feature for community artwork installation, area with natural play elements, and youth seating area.”