New affordable homes greenlit for Hyndburn
A chunk of open former railway land on the outskirts of an East Lancashire town centre is to be transformed into 40 affordable homes. Salford-based builder Watson Homes proposes to develop the 1.55 acres in Charter Street, Accrington into 32 houses and eight cottage flats.
The scheme will provide 100 per cent affordable housing through partnership with a registered social homes provider. Watson has submitted a planning application for the new development to Hyndburn Council
The firm bought the land off the authority in June 2023 for £217,000. It was part of 14 acres of land in the area Hyndburn Council bought from the British Railways Board in 1980.
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A nearby site is already being developed for new housing including Buildings for Humanity’s 3D printed eco-homes scheme for 36 flats and 10 houses for military veterans and homeless people. The plan represents the latest chapter in the regeneration of this key site, which previously contained railway sidings, an engine shed, and a sports club.
The scheme has been carefully designed to complement the surrounding area while maximising the potential of this emerging housing allocation site. Located off Charter Street, the development will benefit from good transport links and proximity to Accrington town centre.
It will also provide adequate parking and attractive landscaping to create a desirable new neighbourhood.
Rob Watson, director at Watson Homes, said: “This planning submission represents an important step forward in bringing new life to this historic site. We have extensive experience in delivering high-quality affordable homes across Lancashire and look forward to working with our partners to create a development that meets local housing needs and contributes positively to the area.
Subject to planning approval the development will provide much-needed affordable homes. This latest scheme adds to Watson’s strong track record in delivering affordable housing across the North-West, with more than 1,210 homes completed and 659 currently in development.
Watson Homes is also behind the controversial scheme to build 127 new properties on the ‘Clayton Triangle’. Located off Whalley Road in Clayton-le-Moors and bordering the Leeds-Liverpool canal, the six-acre brownfield site currently consists of derelict buildings
It will comprise 127 properties in total – 53 apartments and 74 houses.