Blackburn agrees sale of allotment site for housing

Blackburn with Darwen Council has approved plans to sell off land which is home to allotments and a former adult training centre in Darwen as part of a plan to deliver 365 new houses in the area.

A report to the council executive on June 8 notes that, despite the original tender for the land in January receiving no firm offers, a third party has subsequently taken an interest in the site, with heads of terms being provisionally agreed. A sale price has not yet been disclosed.

The land, which forms two parcels that combined spread over 1.2 acres is situated close to the town centre on what the council describes as “a desirable location” and has space for up to 20 homes.

Plans were drawn up for the sale in November 2017, with developers encouraged to pursue housing on the site. If the sale is agreed demolition of the vacant adult training centre will be undertaken by the council prior to the disposal.

According to the council the land may also be combined with other sites, including neighbouring Marsh House & Bailey’s Field, which would together provide space for 365 new homes.

The council said: “Collectively, the new developments will create an attractive place to live with a strong local identity, characterised by attractive, well-designed homes and spaces that will widen the choice of housing on offer.

“New housing at the Tower View site will likely provide local residents and aspiring families with the first opportunity to own one of the 365 new homes planned for implementation”.