Partner chosen for Blackburn housing site

Applethwaite Homes is set to build 30 homes in Feniscliffe after winning a role as Blackburn with Darwen Council’s preferred partner for the three-acre plot ahead of nine other bidders.

The council has recommended Applethwaite Homes as its choice for the deal, which will see the housebuilder purchase the land from the council.

An outline application for up to 30 houses was granted in February last year, and a reserved matters application is likely to come forward this summer. The sale of the land is dependent on Applethwaite securing full planning approval.

The housebuilder beat nine other bidders to the land, which is between Tower Road and Hillcrest Road in Blackburn, near Witton County Park. The site was advertised through an informal tender exercise last year.

Subject to planning permission, construction could start later this year. A decommissioned car home, Feniscliffe Bank, currently sits on the site and will be demolished under the plans, which attracted around 20 objections from locals over a loss of green space in the area.

Cllr Phil Riley, the council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “We had a lot of interest in this site which shows what a great development it could be.

“We have had some concerns by residents in the area over the green space. We understand these concerns but we feel this is the best plan for the site and the new homes would be a great addition to the area.”

Colin Hetherington, managing director at Applethwaite Homes added: “Applethwaite Homes are delighted to have been selected by Blackburn with Darwen Council to prepare proposals to re-develop the derelict buildings and wider site on Tower Road. We will endeavour to engage with the community to design a high quality, family housing scheme to satisfy the requirements of the area.”