Rossendale defies officer recommendation, rejects 40 house-project

Potential harm to the countryside was the ultimate downfall of Hollins Homes’ residential plans when they returned to committee for the second time last week.

Rossendale refused the developer’s outline application to build up to 40 houses on the eight-acre greenfield plot off Burnley Road at its development control committee last Tuesday.

Designed by The Urbanists, the scheme would have been an extension to Hollins’ 80-home development, known as ‘The Foothills’, which is currently under construction.

Approval would have seen the creation of a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses.

Proposals also called for around 62% of the site to be retained as public open space, featuring a walking trail with play areas positioned along the route.

The decision to reject Hollins’ application was made against officer recommendations.

The proposals first went to committee in July with the recommendation for approval, however members refused the application due to concerns regarding the scheme’s visual impact, as well as fears of traffic congestion, pressure on local schools, and the off-site flood risk.

Returning to committee last Tuesday, officers did not change their recommendation and argued that it has not been demonstrated that the development would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety, local education provision, or off-site flood risk.

Deeming these reasons for refusal as indefensible, officers recommended that members reconsider their verdict and only reject the project if they believed that there would be significant harm caused by its visual impact.

A spokesperson for Hollins Homes said the group was “disappointed” by the council’s decision.

“As SME regional housebuilders, Hollins Homes was excited at the prospect of extending our current Loveclough site, The Foothills, by delivering up to 28 family homes for general market sale and a further 12 affordable homes in a sought-after location, as well as providing significant on-site public open space and play equipment”, they stated.

“The council’s housing and regeneration department had stated the development would ‘bring about huge economic impacts for Rossendale, supporting growth, jobs, and sparking much-needed infrastructure investment’.”

While not committing to an appeal, the spokesperson said: “It is likely the Council will now need to incur additional time and unnecessary costs should a future appeal be lodged.”

The project team includes Kathryn Sather & Associates, Betts Associates, ERAP, Influence Landscape Planning and Design, SK Transport, and AWA Tree Consultants.

Want to learn more about the plans? Search for application number 2023/0142 on Rossendale Council’s planning portal.