blackpoolCentral Housing Regeneration Area c blackpoolcouncil

Blackpool is setting out a 10-year timeline. Credit: Blackpool Council

Homes England-backed Blackpool housing plan inches towards planning

A scoping report has been submitted for the Blackpool Central Housing Regeneration Area, where phase one will see 400 homes replaced by 280 homes, open space and public realm.

Working for applicant Blackpool Council, WSP has submitted the scoping report for the 15-year housing plan, seeking to establish the extent of an Environmental Impact Assessment required for the full project.

A hybrid application is expected this autumn.

The first phase of intervention is likely to be covered by an upcoming hybrid planning application, with full consent sought for the demolition of up to 400 homes, and outline permission sought for 280 “high quality mixed tenure homes” with improved public spaces. Compulsory purchase order powers may need to be used.

Blackpool Council said: The vitally needed central housing regeneration scheme will see a mix of modern, new affordable housing and local amenities created as well as old housing being improved and refurbished. Old, tired and substandard houses will be replaced over a number of years.”

A framework for the programme was approved by Blackpool Council’s cabinet in December, outlining a plan to deal with redevelopment and refurbishment in Blackpool’s inner area.

The national housing and regeneration agency is supporting the project with a £90m contribution. An initial tranche of this funding was last year approved for release, which must be committed by the end of March 2026.

Because the application will exceed 150 homes, the applicant will submit an environmental statement with its hybrid application. The 300-page report submitted this month looks to set out the scope of this statement.

As outlined in the report, housing market failure has been evident in Blackpool since as far back as the 1960s. Along with the homes and improved public realm, the first phase will include local centre facilities, which could include retail, offices, F&B, leisure and community spaces.

The community will be involved in designing open spaces. The area covered by the initial stage is bound by Chapel Stret, Promenade, Rigby Road, Westmorland Avenue, Park Road and Palatine Road.

The wider area of regeneration lies to the south of the town centre broadly between Chapel Street and Rigby Road, and the Promenade and Central Drive corridor.

Blackpool Council said that the more specific area is still under consideration and will be decided in the coming weeks. Nearly 3,000 homes within the broader regeneration area have been visited and asked to fill out a questionnaire, with a full consultation expected later this year.

Council leader Cllr Lynn Williams said: “I cannot emphasise enough how critical this regeneration scheme is for the town. The basic need for decent housing is so crucial for people in every way. The effect housing has on people’s health, wellbeing and life chances cannot be underestimated.

“We want people to love where they live. Residents have the right to decent, modern houses with good quality community facilities around them to access when they wish. This is how communities grow, stabilise and support one another.”

The WSP report can be viewed on Blackpool Council’s planning portal with the reference 25/0050.

The leader concluded: “This regeneration vision will take a long time but is very much needed. One in every three private rented properties are not fit for human habitation In Blackpool and we must change this. I am really pleased we are taking another step forward towards the realisation of our vision to provide good quality homes in safe communities for the residents of Blackpool”.

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below