Maple Grove sells chunk of Lancashire Central
Rowland Homes plans to build 75 houses on seven acres of the wider 160-acre masterplan.
Maple Grove Developments and Lancashire County Council have sold a plot of land off Stanifield Lane in Farington to pave the way for the first phase of the masterplan.
Rowland is drawing up plans for a mix of three- and four-bedroom homes at the site and hopes to secure approval this year.
The deal is Rowland’s second in short order having acquired the former South Chadderton School site in Rochdale, which is earmarked for 150 homes.
Jonathan Pickthall, land director at Rowland, said: “We are very pleased to have acquired this strategic site in Lancashire, which provides an excellent location for a high-quality sustainable development.
“We look forward to delivering this first phase of development, which will help transform the local are alongside the new employment opportunities proposed by Maple Grove and Lancashire County Council and the new Lancashire Cricket Facility that is being constructed opposite the site.”
Maple Grove secured planning approval for the wider Lancashire Central masterplan in 2023.
As well as homes, the scheme would feature 1.7m sq ft of commercial space including industrial units, retail space, and a hotel.
James Scott, director at Maple Grove Developments, said: “The sale of the residential land to Rowland represents a major milestone for the wider Lancashire Central project and provides the catalyst for both significant further development and associated infrastructure works.
“It’s an exciting period of time for the project for which we are planning to be on site later this year.”
Cllr Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “Lancashire Central is one of the biggest employment development opportunities in the North West.
“Well-connected just next to the national motorway network, it offers a fantastic location. This site for new homes is part of unlocking the wider site’s regionally and nationally significant employment potential, creating growth here in Lancashire.”
Savills advised Maple Grove Developments on the sale of the land.