Derelict Blackburn care home to be redeveloped

Applethwaite has secured consent to build 30 houses on a former care home in Blackburn, despite local objections arguing against a loss of open space.

Applethwaite secured the site following a competitive tender process last year, beating nine other bidders, and is now set to deliver a mix of homes on the council-owned land, which is on the corner of Hillcrest Road and Tower Road.

Blackburn with Darwen Council approved the scheme at a meeting on 19 September, despite local opposition which argued against a loss of space.

Planning officers accepted that open space would be lost, but added Applethwaite’s proposals would “robustly mitigated” by retaining open space within the development and contributing to pathway improvements at the neighbouring Witton Park.

Work is expected to begin on demolishing the vacant care home on the site in the coming months, with completion expected in 2021.

County Planning advised Applethwaite on its successful application. The company’s director Dan Matthewman said: “We’re pleased to have secured this permission for our client which will bring much-needed high-quality homes to the area, by demolishing a vacant building which would otherwise continue to be an eyesore and magnet for anti-social behaviour.”

“Following public consultation, the plans sought to integrate the local communities’ preferences into the scheme by reserving areas of public open space and by providing an off-street car park for community use – actions which are wholly voluntary and aim to provide quality spaces for existing and future residents.”

“The application provides a footway link into the adjoining Pleasington Playing Fields/Witton Park and included an additional payment of £30,000 given to the Council for them to make green infrastructure investments in the local area.”