Farnworth consent for Westchurch
Having secured permission to demolish Century Mill in the summer, the developer can now build 106 homes following the go-ahead from Bolton Council.
In a decision notice dated 16 December 2022, director of place Jon Dyson signed off the proposals, which were filed just under a year ago.
At present, Bolton is unable to demonstrate a five-year housing supply, with two appeals heard in October this year estimating the current supply at between 3.3 years and 3.9 years. In addition, the bulk of the site is allocated for housing in the Bolton Allocations Plan.
The site is largely surrounded by housing, including a new Gleeson development. The 120-year old former cotton spinning mill is mostly vacant, with some use by local businesses.
Lichfields is engaged as Westchurch Homes’ planning consultant for the scheme. Tetra Tech, consulting engineer Betts Hydro, landscape architect MCK Associates and energy consultant Focus are also on the professional team.
The development proposal benefits from Greater Manchester Brownfield Land Funding due to the remediation costs associated with developing a former industrial site.
As outlined in the planning officer’s report, the proposal is for 106 dwellings, made up of 12 one-bed homes, 26 two-bed units, 32 three-bed homes and 36 4-bed homes. This will include both houses and apartments, and the scheme will be fully affordable.
The proposed development will be accessed from George Street and the residential layout will be designed around a long cul-de-sac with a series of side roads accessed from this. The site is 5.4 acres in total.
Private gardens are proposed for each of the homes as well as off street parking. No trees will be retained, and a mill pond removed to allow for a greater developable area.
Earlier this month, Westchurch secured consent for another fully affordable scheme, this time in Lostock Hall, South Ribble, while it is also working on a 100% affordable project with Jigsaw in east Manchester.
