Work on new Blackburn housing development begins

Work has begun on a new project in Blackburn which will see 370 homes built on brownfield land.

The development, one of the biggest-ever housing regeneration projects in the town, is being undertaken by Blackburn with Darwen Council working closely with Together Housing Group and Countryside Properties.

Brookfield Vale will include a mix of two, three and four bedroomed houses that will be offered for sale. Of those, 20 per cent will be allocated as affordable homes by Together Housing and 154 will be available for private rent through PRS provider, Sigma Capital.

The planning application includes new homes on three brownfield sites in the Fishmoor and Higher Croft area – including land where the old Newfield School was and Higher Croft Vocational Centre.

Two sites were owned by the council and had been empty for many years and the third was owned by Together Housing Group. The council sold its two sites to pave the way for significant regeneration of the area.

The work will also see significant investment in the surrounding Fishmoor Drive and Roman Road area, as well as a £400,00 commitment for local education.

Coun Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s executive member for growth and development, said: "When passed, this scheme was part of the biggest planning application brought before the council since it was formed more than 20 years ago.

"A lot of hard work has gone in to bringing this project forward with our partners and it will breathe new life into the whole area and reap real benefits for the whole community. It will also significantly contribute to the town’s need for quality and affordable new family homes as well as our aspiration for real growth for the borough."

Mark Hadfield, managing director, Merseyside and Cheshire West, Countryside, added: "Higher Croft has plenty of untapped potential, including proximity to the town centre, making it highly accessible. We look forward to transforming these plots of land into a thriving sustainable community together with our partners.”

Kevin Ruth, chief executive of Together Housing Group, said: "The regeneration of the sites at Fishmoor is a project we are proud to deliver alongside Countryside and our other partners.

"The project will benefit the area in many ways, by providing affordable quality homes, a good mix of tenure choices to meet a variety of housing needs, create employment opportunities and lift the appearance of the area..

The first homes are set to be ready by September.

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.