Building work begins on huge new Pendle housing development

Planning permission for the 23-acre development, which will see 239 homes built on the site at Trough Laithe in Barrowford was granted earlier this year.

Outline planning permission for the site was granted for up to 500 homes in 2017. This work relates to the southern half of the site with access taken from Riverside Way.

The application, put forward by developer Northstone, was rejected overwhelmingly by Barrowford and Western Parishes Committee over concerns about possible flood risks. However, it was eventually passed by Pendle Borough Council.

Northstone said the scheme, named ‘Keld’, would complement the surrounding countryside and improve pedestrian routes and cycleways for the existing community

The development will provide a range of energy-efficient homes from two-bed cottages to four-bed properties with 20% of the site a combination of shared ownership and affordable rent to help meet local housing demand.

Under the outline permission for the site, Northstone and Peel L&P will also contribute towards local school provision, highways work at J13 of the M65, and improving public transport in the area.

Craig Nutter, commercial director at Northstone, said: “We provide quality homes with an emphasis on sustainability, design and efficiency, giving home buyers flexible layouts to suit their style of living and energy saving features to help reduce fuel bills.

“Homes at Keld will be suitable for first-time buyers, families and downsizers and we’re pleased to have worked with the council to secure homes that will also help to meet the area’s affordable housing needs in partnership with a registered provider.”

The word Keld derives from old English and means "deep, smooth, still part of a river". It was inspired by Pendle Water, located nearby the site.

Keld is Northstone’s second housing development with its first scheme of 150 homes in Westhoughton, Silkash, now available for purchase.