Sign-off expected for 30-acre Great Harwood scheme

Reilly Developments’ proposals for 250 family homes alongside four sports pitches across two neighbouring sites have been recommended for approval by Hyndburn Council.

The scheme would see the development of a range of detached and semi-detached houses and bungalows, built on the 17-acre Lyndon playing fields site in Harwood Lane, while four new sports pitches and associated changing and parking facilities would be created on the second 12-acre site 100m away.

An existing children’s play area on the land where the homes are planned will be improved and extended as part of the development.

Lancashire-based planning consultancy PWA Planning submitted the plans on behalf of the applicant Reilly Developments.

Great Harwood Rovers FC currently use the Lyndon playing fields, leasing them from the council which owns the site. The new FA-standard football pitches and changing facilities will be used by the club’s 20 youth and junior teams.

The council will transfer full ownership of the playing fields to Reilly once planning permission has been granted.

In a report to the planning committee, Hyndburn Council planning officers have recommended that both aspects of the scheme be approved. The scheme will be considered by Hyndburn Council’s planning committee on Wednesday 21 October.

Katie Delaney, associate of PWA Planning, said: “This development marks a significant investment for Great Harwood and the wider borough, giving Hyndburn a boost in terms of the number of larger family homes.

“We’ve taken on board the concerns of local residents about the loss of playing fields and the existing football pitches will be replaced with significantly upgraded facilities on the second site, bringing a wide range of community benefits.”