Burnley Knowledge Park plan moves step nearer

A KNOWLEDGE park to transform part of Burnley into a hub of education, business and advanced manufacturing has moved a step closer.

On Thursday members of Burnley Borough Council’s Development Control Committee gave an outline planning application for the site, next to the college and university campus in Princess Way, the green light.

The business will comprise 12,000sqm of business space along with 280 car parking spaces on land at Rectory Road, Holme Road and Grosvenor Street.

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Under the plans there will be a tree-lined boulevard running through Princess Way to the frontage with the River Calder.

A neighbouring resident had expressed concern that high buildings so close to houses would have an impact on privacy and also that the development would cause an increase in traffic.

But Burnley College principal Hugh Bramwell wrote a letter in support of the development, saying it would complement college activities and provide Burnley with an “excellent overall facility.”

Coun. Cosima Towneley said part of the site, around Holme Road, was used regularly by horse riders and walkers and asked if conditions could be put in place to maintain safety.

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Coun. Shah Hussain said: “I support this application. I think it will bring about development in the area and complements the college.”

Coun. Roger Frost added: “It’s a sizeable development. I think that we should support this application.”

The Knowledge Park plans are part of wider proposals to transform the Princess Way area into the Knowledge Quarter, a centre of excellence for education and a flagship site for advanced manufacturing, digital and creative industries.

Community leaders hope the scheme, which has the Rain Bow Gate Structure at its entrance, will boost education, enterprise and entrepreneurship and attract new investment and employment opportunities.

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