Major housing scheme loses six homes

Councillors have agreed to cut the number of properties at a major proposed homes development in a Lancashire town.Planners at Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning and highways committee backed a recommendation to approve a bid to reduce the scheme’s houses from 383 to 377.Countryside Properties and Together Housing Group are behind the plan for land to the north and south of Fishmoor Drive and a plot to the east of Roman Road in Blackburn.Approximately 27 acres of land has been earmarked for the scheme, which will comprise of 20 per cent on site affordable housing and integrated green infrastructure which will be delivered. The approved change will involve an amendment to the original planning permission agreed in January. This is for an amendment to the approved layout of parcel three, unallocated and housing allocated land to the east of Roman Road – which will now include a reduction in properties. This allows Blackburn with Darwen Council to retain land between the eastern boundary and some of the new homes and the Fishmoor Reservoir to allow for a spillway to be constructed at a future date.The plans have been approved subject to an agreement under Section 106 relating to the payment of £395,000, plus a monitoring fee of £3,950. Should the Section 106 agreement not be completed within six months of the date of the planning application being received, the head of service for planning and infrastructure will have delegated powers to refuse the application.