Green light for overhaul of Blackburn’s Whitebirk estate
Together Housing and Place Capital Group’s plans for 152 homes on vacant land within the housing complex have been approved by the local council.
Blackburn with Darwen Council met yesterday evening to approve the plans for seven acres of land within the Whitebirk estate. They include 46 one-bedroom apartments, 45 two-bedroom houses and apartments, 54 three-bed houses, and seven four-bed houses. All of the homes will be available for affordable rent.
The estate was originally constructed between 1930s and comprises around 600. Together Housing owns just shy of 400 of them.
The developers say the plans for another 152 on cleared land would help meet clear demand for more affordable housing in the area.
Engagement and consultation have taken place with the community, a process that started almost three years ago.
Significant investment is also promised for the upgrade of green spaces such as the park off Hereford Road, with provision for play equipment, seating, open and accessible pathways, plants, and green space.
The homes would be energy efficient with proposals to include solar panels, air source heat pumps, and other systems as part of Together Housing’s ongoing commitment to help tackle climate change.
To view the plans, search for reference number 10/24/0740 on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning portal.
Matthew Newman, assistant director for place shaping at Together Housing, said: “We are delighted that our plans for Whitebirk have been approved. Together Housing and Place Capital Group have continued to work closely with residents and ensure careful consideration of their views which were reflected in these proposals.
This development will provide much-needed affordable homes, whilst also transforming the estate into a place residents can feel proud
to call home.”
Eleanor Binns, Place Capital Group’s project director, added: “We’re incredibly excited to reach this key milestone which
marks a significant step forward in realising the ambitions of the place-shaping strategy for Whitebirk.
“The planning approval means we can now begin the important work of delivering the much-needed new homes and estate-wide improvements that will benefit the whole community.”
