a day ago
Senior councillors to have final say on controversial back garden homes plan
A disputed plan to build nine homes in the garden of a home in a Pendle village could, if approved, mean a total of 18 homes being on the site in the future because of a previous phase approved a few years ago.
An outline plan for nine new homes on land at the property in Gisburn Road, Blacko, has been submitted to Pendle Council by the executors of the estate of Mrs D Holt.
Planning agent Melvyn Aston, of Classic Architecture Limited based in Foulridge, is working with the applicants.
The plan has prompted objections from nearby residents, including fears of over-development and pressure on local services in Blacko, a lack of affordable homes, the slope of the land, protection of existing sewer infrastructure, pollution risks for Pendle Water, and road safety.
However, a statement for the applicants says the proposal would be sustainable and there are no adverse impacts that would significantly outweigh the benefits.
It adds: 'The development would provide well-designed, comfortable, sustainable development, in a convenient central location within the village.
"The proposed new homes will have excellent vehicle, cycling, walking access and a regular bus service into the town and surrounding countryside. It has been carefully and sensitively designed.'
Council planning officers believe the outline application is acceptable and would make a contribution to housing supply.
They feel it should be given 'delegated consent', meaning more details and conditions are needed, including how the new homes would look, and site drainage matters.
The plan has been referred to Pendle Council's more senior Development Management Committee after local councillors on the Barrowford area committee felt it should be refused.
Refusing it for their suggested reasons of highway safety and flood risk would result in significant risk of appeal costs to the council, planning officers fear.
Now, the Development Management Committee needs to make a decision on Tuesday, August 19.
A council report states the plot of land is in the open countryside. The current proposal was originally submitted for 11 homes, but later changed to nine.
In 2023, a planning appeal was allowed for outline permission for a development of nine dwellings there.
The latest plan is described as a second phase and would, effectively, result in 18 homes in total, according to a planning report.
Water company United Utilities says a pressurised sewer crosses the north of the site and it will not permit building over it, according to the planning report.
It says more details will be needed and recommended that planning conditions for drainage and protection of its system should be included, if the application is approved.
