New homes plan for land between two rubbish tips

A proposal to build 40 new homes on rough pasture used to graze horses located between two disused rubbish tips has been given the green light.

The scheme on 3.6 acres (1.5 hectares) of land of Ridge Avenue in Brunshaw was approved, despite more than 40 objections, including worries about land contamination.

Applicant The Ridge Stables Ltd has already reduced the proposed number of properties on the new estate from 45 to 40 after discussions with town hall officials.

The developer has agreed to provide a financial contribution towards affordable housing, secondary school places, children’s play facilities, and the maintenance of public open space.

The meeting between Burnley Council’s development control committee granted planning permission despite objections from 40 nearby homes, Brunshaw ward councillors Mark Townsend and Shaun Sproule, Burnley Civic Trust and the Friends of Rowley group.

They included concerns about road safety, over-development of the area for housing, impact on wildlife and green space, the lack of GP and school provision, and the potential threat to the health and safety of occupants and neighbouring properties from gas and contamination from the nearby tips.

A planning officer’s report to the meeting said: “The proposed scheme is an appropriate scale of development at a maximum of two-storey height and is designed appropriately to reflect the distinctive local character and materials of the local area.

“It would be beneficial in contributing to the supply of housing and affordable housing and would also create new areas of public open space and enhance the biodiversity of the site and surrounding area.

“Impacts such as on the rural character of the area, on traffic, drainage and on ground conditions and contamination have been considered and can be adequately mitigated through appropriate conditions.”

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