New plans revealed to complete transformational housing regeneration scheme in Blackburn

New plans have been revealed for the second phase of a transformational housing regeneration scheme in Blackburn.

McDermott Homes, working in partnership with Great Places Housing, has submitted a planning application for 80 high quality new homes, which would complete the redevelopment of land in the Griffin area.

The brownfield site was previously cleared as part of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s renewal area scheme.

Now, new plans are being brought forward that include a strong mix of privately owned and affordable properties.

It comes following the success of a similar scheme off Ellison Fold Way in Darwen, delivered by McDermott Homes and Great Places Housing.

Great Places was also involved in delivering the first phase of development at Griffin, which generated huge interest – particularly in the shared ownership homes.

Andrew Darbyshire, land director at McDermott Homes, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen to work in partnership on the final phase of the Griffin Regeneration with Great Places Housing to deliver a scheme for both private and affordable homes.  

"The development, once completed, will provide new homes to an area where demand is expected, and we are genuinely excited at the prospect of improving the local environment for the existing community."

The latest plans, developed with Woodcroft Design, include the use of red brick to help promote and reinforce local character and distinctiveness.

Where possible, existing trees and hedges will be retained, and a new access road is proposed off the nearby mini roundabout.

Coun Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We know that improving the quality of housing in our borough is one of the very best ways to help improve the lives of our residents.

"Already, almost £20million has been invested in housing regeneration in this part of Blackburn, and it’s been truly transformational.

"When the first phase at Griffin was completed, I had the privilege of meeting families who had moved into the new homes, and they told us it had genuinely changed their lives.

"There’s now the opportunity to do that again with these new proposals from McDermott Homes and Great Places Housing.

"And this next phase offers a good mix of privately owned and affordable homes, something that’s incredibly important to us all."

Councillor Riley added: "As a Council, we have a brownfield first approach to new developments as set out in our Local Plan and almost half of new homes have been built on such sites in the past seven years or so. This is a complex site and so it’s a real testament to our determination and the strong partnerships we have developed – something Blackburn with Darwen is renowned for – to get to this stage.

"We look forward to seeing the site brought back into use for the benefit of our residents and our communities.
Great Places has helped deliver 138 new homes in the Griffin and Mill Hill areas of Blackburn in recent years."

The first phase at Griffin brought in £8million of new investment with 56 new homes built off Shakespeare Way.

Demand for those properties was exceptionally high, with more than 400 applications received.

Nick Gornall, director of development at Great Places, said: "We’re delighted to be part of the second phase of the Griffin housing regeneration scheme.

"The success of the first phase demonstrated the profound impact high-quality, mixed tenure affordable housing can have on the community.

"With the new plans, we aim to continue this positive transformation, providing a mix of affordable homes that cater to the diverse needs of the local community.

"Our partnership with McDermott Homes and Blackburn with Darwen Council exemplifies the power of collaboration in delivering sustainable and impactful development.

"We have invested in the regeneration of the local area for many years and look forward to seeing the Griffin area flourish further."

Regeneration projects delivered by Great Places in the area to date include:

Shakespeare Way, Griffin – £8.1million scheme – 56 new homes
Bowen Street, Mill Hill – £3.3million scheme – 24 new homes
Shorrock Lane, Mill Hill – £2.8million scheme – 16 new homes
New Wellington Street, Mill Hill – £5.1million scheme – 42 new homes