Local Plan adopted in Burnley

Burnley’s Local Plan has been officially adopted, setting in place context for development and economic growth for the period up to 2032.

In July, Place North West reported that the total employment land requirement was to be reduced in the Local Plan from 223 acres to “at least” 163 acres, the change coming at the recommendation of an independent inspector in the wake of public hearings on the plan in late 2017, due to a potential issue over green belt reclassification.

Other changes made following the inspector’s report were a slight reduction in annual housing targets and a minor adjustment to the Padiham town centre boundary.

The allocation of new housing is set at 3,880 homes, while the council added that the plan also supports the growth of the retail and leisure sector in Burnley town centre.

Cllr Mark Townsend, leader of the council, said: “It is great news for the future of our borough that we have agreed this plan. The plan sets the framework for the borough’s economic growth. For years residents have told the council they want to see a wider choice of housing, more job opportunities and better shops balanced with quality green spaces. This plan, developed on a ‘brownfield first’ approach, helps us to achieve those goals.”

Kate Ingram, head of Burnley Council’s economy and growth team, said: “We’d love to talk to housing developers about our key housing sites and attract new housing developers to Burnley to provide a variety of high quality housing to meet the demands of our growing economy.

“We are transforming Burnley’s housing offer and with the new direct rail link to Manchester, Burnley is becoming a serious commuter belt option.”

Ingram added: “With the growth of the University of Central Lancashire campus in Burnley with student numbers forecast to rise from 400 to 4,000 by 2025 there’s also a growing student accommodation market  for developers to take advantage of.”

Burnley Bridge South, part of Eshton’s Burnley Bridge Employment Gateway situated at junction 9 of the M65, has been allocated as proposed employment land, potentially housing 1,300 jobs.

Eshton managing director James Chapman said: “To date, the three-phase Burnley Bridge development has brought more than £50m investment to Burnley and the surrounding area.

“Burnley Bridge South forms part of our vision to expand Burnley’s business park presence and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in Burnley.” Indicative plans are for up to 600,000 sq ft of development at the site.

The full Local Plan, the inspector’s report, plocieis map and other associated documents are available to view online.