Hyndburn signs off 89 homes, market stalls

Seddon Homes can now progress with its residential plans in Knuzden, while the council’s proposals to transform Accrington’s Market Hall have taken a step forward with temporary facilities approved.

Hyndburn Council followed officer recommendations to approve both applications at a planning meeting last Wednesday.

Mount St James

Application number: 11/23/0207

Seddon Homes will build 89 properties on the undeveloped eight-acre plot in Knuzden, near Blackburn.

Woodcroft Design has drawn up the plans for the development, which will feature 16 two-, 52 three-, and 21 four-bedroom houses.

Of the 89 properties, 18 will be offered at an affordable rent.

Access will be created off Mt St James, with plans to install a zebra crossing between the new road and the nearby primary school.

Residents will be provided with a total of 199 car parking spaces in the form of private driveways and garages, as well as off-road parking provision.

Plans were submitted for the scheme in June.

Pinnacle Planning is advising Seddon on the proposals. The project team also includes I-Transport, Trevor Bridge Associates, E3P, Mulberry Tree Management, and Envirotech.

Hyndburn Council approved this application despite the site lying only 500m away from the boundary for Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Accrington Town Square

Application number: 11/23/0430

Hyndburn Council will install 23 temporary market stalls in Accrington Town Square to allow traders to continue operating while the Market Hall is being renovated.

Temporary in nature, the application covers the 14-month period from January 2024 until March 2025 to allow work to take place as part of its £20m Levelling Up project.

Plans were lodged last month for the town square transformation, which will see the existing Market Hall converted into a food and drink venue.

The approval of these temporary market stalls follows Morgan Sindall’s appointment to carry out the works, which will also include the repurposing of Burton Chambers into a modern co-working space and the conversion of the Market Chambers into a cultural, arts, and heritage venue.

Hyndburn Council secured the funding for the wider project through a successful £20m Levelling Up bid, along with additional matching contributions from Lancashire Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

READ: Levelling Up Fund: North West secures £355m

LDA Design is advising Hyndburn Council on the proposals. The project team also includes AEW Architects, Civic Engineers, AECOM, and Donald Insall Associates.