Published Tuesday 22 June 2021 at 10:01
RESIDENTS of Mellor Brook are being urged to have their say on their preferred type of housing in the area.
A local housing needs assessment is to be carried out by consultants working on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Council to establish the housing required on a piece of land bounded by Myerscough Smithy Road and Branch Road in Mellor Brook.
The six-hectare site has been allocated for village development in South Ribble’s Local Plan.
Although the site falls outside the current administrative boundary of Blackburn with Darwen, the site was previously located in the Blackburn Rural District up until 1974. The land was then formally recognised as within the ownership of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, but outside the borough boundary, following the formation of the new unitary authority in 1998 when the County transferred all land and property assets to the newly formed Council.
Questionnaires will be delivered to 1,700 households in the parishes of Mellor, Balderstone and Samlesbury later this month, which will also be available online.
As landowner, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is asking residents so that future plans reflect the housing that is needed locally and any future development proposals comply with planning requirements.
The land is located in the Borough of South Ribble but also adjoins the Borough of Ribble Valley.
Residents and anyone connected to the parishes are being encouraged to complete the questionnaire as responses will inform future development of the site. Views are also welcomed on potential new uses for the land.
Simon Jones, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Director of Growth, said:
This is an opportunity for the residents to shape the future of Mellor Brook.
It is important residents complete the survey as this is their chance to have their say and influence what happens in their own neighbourhood.
Whether its bungalows, houses for first-time buyers, more affordable homes or larger family homes residents know the area best and will have a view on what’s needed to support the local community. On this basis I would urge everyone to have their say and complete the survey.
A significant issue in many rural settlements is the availability of a range of house types by size and tenure. In order to meet the needs of a wider range of households, housing could include:
- Houses for first time buyers who live in a village but are not able to afford to buy a property there;
- Accommodation for older people who are looking to downsize;
- Homes for families who need a larger property in the area;
- Affordable or specialist housing of different types and tenures
The findings of the survey will form the basis of future planning proposals for the site, which will be considered by South Ribble Borough Council, as the planning authority, when determining planning applications.
Next steps
Once all surveys are returned and evaluated, the Council will create a masterplan for the site taking into account the findings of the survey.
Further information
Policy B2 (Village Development) allows the release of land during the Plan period for development including local affordable housing, health care, community facilities or employment provided that it cannot be accommodated within the existing built up area of the village or the allocated site is preferable for the use proposed.