Neighbours delight after plan to build homes on 'natural beauty spot' in Padiham given the red light

Neighbours in Padiham are celebrating a victory after controversial plans to build homes on an area of land considered to be 'one of the most beautiful and natural' areas of their town was  given the red light by councillors.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Members of Burnley's Development Control committee refused the plan to build six detached bungalows on the site known as Craggs Farm on the grounds that it was considered to be 'detrimental to the character and appearance of the area.'

In a report presented to the committee by planning officers the development was described as not being in keeping with the surrounding area by virtue of its 'poor design and layout.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The plan was also kicked out on the grounds that because it would be built so close to several homes in Whalley Road there would not be enough distance to ensure privacy to the homes.

A plan to build bungalows on this area of land in Padiham, known as Craggs Farm, has been turned down by councillors.A plan to build bungalows on this area of land in Padiham, known as Craggs Farm, has been turned down by councillors.
A plan to build bungalows on this area of land in Padiham, known as Craggs Farm, has been turned down by councillors.

The news has been welcomed by the numerous residents who objected to the application which was made after the site in Vicarage Avenue was cleared, leaving residents angry as the area has long been acknowledged as a 'natural beauty spot' with an abundance of wildlife and vegetation including bats, owls, wild flowers, lilac, trees and even deer in the summer months.

A public meeting was held to draw up a battle plan against the application and residents even chipped in to employ a professional planning consultant to present their case.

One of the main objectors was Coun. Andy Tatchell who pointed out that while relieved that the plan had been turned down he was disappointed that the area had been cleared of its flora and fauna.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The area is part of the Huntroyde Estate and lies in a triangle between Blackburn Road, Vicarage Avenue and Whalley Road. There is a building known as Craggs farmhouse on the western boundary.

The site was not included in Burnley's Local Plan, which was adopted last year and sets out the overall strategy for development up to 2032.

Padiham Town Council objected to the application and Lancashire County Council had expressed concerns about parking and access issues.

In 2007 an application to build a 60 bed care home was turned down and in 2017 a second application for 20 houses on the site was also given the red light.