Wain Homes agrees partnership to complete development site in Blackburn

Wain Homes has agreed a partnership with Black Pearl Homes Ltd to complete a prime development site in Blackburn.

Planning consent to transform the former Sappi Paper Mill site on Livesey Branch Road was granted in 2015 to parent company Black Pearl Capital with permission for up to 500 homes and commercial premises.

Known as Watermills, the first 95 properties are already under construction.

Wain Homes is now bringing forward a detailed planning application for the next phase of homes with an aim to start construction later this year, subject to receiving planning permission.

This collaboration signifies a strategic partnership between Wain Homes Ltd and Black Pearl Homes Ltd - combining their expertise to bring this ambitious housing project to fruition.

Abbas Jafarian, Black Pearl Capital’s chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to announce the collaboration with Wain Homes in expediting the completion of the Watermills vision.

“The shared commitment to delivering high-quality residential properties underscores the mutual dedication to meeting the growing demand for housing in the region.”

 Wain Homes says the site, backing onto open countryside and close to the motorway network, offers an exciting opportunity to create a thoughtfully designed new community.

The development will not only address the demand for housing in the region but also breathe new life into an area with historical significance.

Richard Chamberlain, managing director of Wain Homes North West, said: “This has been a complex negotiation, and we are pleased to be at a point where we will shortly submit a detailed planning application for the next phase of homes, ranging from apartments to large four-bedroom family homes.

“We look forward to working closely with Black Pearl Homes, the local authority, stakeholders and residents to create a development that enhances the overall quality of life in Blackburn.”

The development will enable completion of the new link road aimed at enhancing the local highway network as housing progresses.

A revised planning application will incorporate a new Transport Assessment and detailed road design, offering updated timelines for road completion.

Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: “As with all sites, it’s incredibly important to us to have a developer with really good local knowledge and a strong track record of delivering high quality schemes and so this new partnership between Black Pearl and Wain Homes is good news all round.

“We look forward to working closely with Black Pearl and Wain Homes on their plans for the site, including the important link road, over the coming months.”

Any approval of a new application would supersede previous plans impacted by the global pandemic.