A new planning application has been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council for the development of five detached bungalows on a vacant plot of land in Ewood. The site, located on Hollin Bridge Street, was previously approved for a similar scheme in October 2020, but the approval has now lapsed.
The applicant, Kabir Sharif, has re-submitted the planning application, which includes detailed designs and specifications for the proposed development. The scheme aims to redevelop an underutilized site within the urban area of Blackburn, providing much-needed housing in a sustainable location. The site is situated in a predominantly residential area, known as “Hollins Bank”, and is close to public transport services and facilities.
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is east of the site, and Hollin Bridge Street and surrounding roads are passable for two-way traffic with well-maintained footways and street lighting. The area is also served by a 30mph speed limit and a weight restriction for heavy goods vehicles over the canal bridge. The proposed development is designed to be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area, with a focus on creating a high-quality and sustainable living environment.
The proposed development consists of five detached bungalows, each with its own front and rear garden, off-street parking space, and a unique design that blends in with the surrounding area. The bungalows will have two bedrooms, an adaptable bathroom, and an open-plan kitchen/dining/lounge area. The construction will be from red/brown brick with a grey tile roof, matching the local material palette.
The design intent is to create highly efficient dwellings that are not overbearing and do not impact the surrounding dwellings. The proposed scale of the dwellings is intended to provide a continuation of the building line up Hollin Bridge Street, maintaining the character of the area. The bungalows will be designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as double-glazed windows, insulation, and solar panels.
The site is currently in an untidy state with evidence of fly-tipping and litter, and the proposed development aims to redevelop an underutilized site within the urban area of Blackburn. The development will also provide a significant improvement to the appearance of the site, with the removal of the existing waste and the installation of new landscaping and boundary treatments.
The proposed development will provide five new homes in a sustainable location, close to public transport services and facilities. The scheme will also help to regenerate the area, improving the appearance of the site and enhancing the character of the surrounding neighborhood. The development will be designed to be accessible and inclusive, with features such as wide doorways, level access, and adaptable bathrooms.
The applicant has worked closely with local residents and stakeholders to develop the proposed scheme, taking into account their feedback and concerns. The applicant has also consulted with local businesses and organizations to ensure that the development meets the needs of the community.
The proposed development is expected to have a negligible impact on the Grade II-listed canal bridge and will not cause an impact on the surrounding dwellings. The site is not designated as a conservation area, and the proposed development is not expected to affect the character or appearance of the surrounding area.
The applicant has also submitted a detailed environmental impact assessment, which has identified potential environmental issues and proposed measures to mitigate them. The assessment has identified potential issues such as noise pollution, light pollution, and air pollution, and has proposed measures such as noise barriers, lighting controls, and air quality monitoring.
The proposed development is expected to create a number of benefits for the local community, including the provision of new homes, the regeneration of the area, and the creation of new jobs and economic activity. The development will also provide a significant improvement to the appearance of the site, with the removal of the existing waste and the installation of new landscaping and boundary treatments.
In conclusion, the proposed development is a high-quality design that aims to create five efficient dwellings with minimal impact on the surrounding area. The application is for windfall development within the Blackburn urban area and forms an important component of the council’s identified housing supply. The council will now consider the application and make a decision on whether to approve the proposed development.