Further Clough Head

Questions about Further Clough Head

Don’t you have planning already?

Yes. In 2017 under approval number 17/0427/OUT outline permission was granted for up to 200 homes. We now need to obtain reserved matters approval. This means that we need permission for the details - the style, type and layout of the houses etc. Our design proposals are based on site investigations, highways advice, ecological best practice and environmental engagement.

We want your feedback on the design and layout of the housing and the landscaping/open space proposals.  We will consider your feedback before finalising our reserved matters application.

What houses will be available?

We propose to build a range of 2, 3 and 4 bed homes. These are homes to help first time buyers get on the property ladder, and families expand. Pendle residents will also be able to downsize through the provision of bungalows. 

Why do we need new housing when there are plenty of empty houses already?

We have around 800 empty houses. This is low, compared to the North West as a whole.  These are often terraced with little or no gardens or parking.  Many of them need a great deal of repair, and this is unaffordable for people looking for low-cost housing.  We want to provide a variety of housing which meets people’s aspirations and which will stimulate the Nelson economy.

Why not develop other brownfield sites first?

On average 70% of new development in Pendle each year takes place on previously developed land (brownfield sites).  However, to deliver the number of houses that are required to sustain the population, larger sites are also needed to meet the demands of a changing population. 

Will there be affordable accommodation?

Yes, at least 20% of the homes will be affordable housing.This could include rented and shared ownership. Public consultation identified a need for more affordable accommodation, so we are working with Together Housing, who are an experienced provider of affordable homes.

What about the impact on local infrastructure (e.g. school places and health care)? 

This is considered as part of the planning application process. Lancashire County Council ask for contributions from developers for school places if it is financially viable, but ultimately the County Council are responsible for  making sure there are enough.  NHS England are responsible for commissioning services such as GPs and dentists, taking into account population changes.

How will the increase in traffic on Barkerhouse Road and Marsden Hall Road South be dealt with?

The current planning approval only allows development to start once improvements to the roundabout at the junction of Barkerhouse Road and Marsden Hall Road South are complete. These works will be to the specification and satisfaction of the County Council. They are designed to improve the flow of traffic and reduce congestion in the area.

What are the implications of building on the site in terms of flood risk to existing properties?

This is dealt with as part of our reserved matters application. The flood risk in the area is understood to be low overall. However, there is a chance that the development may cause that risk to increase because of an increase in surfaces that rainfall can runoff. To address this, the proposed drainage system will hold water back on the site before a controlled release. Features such as large pipes and storage ponds will be included to accommodate the additional water possibly generated by the development. These storage ponds will also allow greenspace to be created at the entrance and promote habitat for wildlife.

How will wildlife be protected?

A local ecologist has surveyed the site. The survey concluded that generally, the site is of relatively low importance, except for the woodland, which will be protected. Bat surveys are being done so we can understand the local population and how to protect them. No work will be done between March and August without a Breeding Bird Survey.

How will the construction process be managed?

Work on the road will start in November. Construction of the housing will start in April 2020. Once the road is installed, the site will be self-contained. A detailed construction methods statement will be submitted as part of the planning application. It will list the restrictions on site operations and explain how disruption will be minimised.

How will you ensure only emergency vehicles access Messenger Street?

Bollard devices can be installed that only provide access to emergency services vehicles.

What access will I have to open space once the development is completed?

All existing Public Rights of Way (13-6 FP 65, 13-6 FP 70, 13-6 FP 72 & 13-6-FP 73) on or next to the site, will remain intact. The existing wooded valley of Further Clough Beck, together with the Messenger Street open space and allotments create green spaces which will connect local residents to the open countryside by providing walking routes to the wider Public Rights of Way network.

How will such a large development look on the edge of Nelson?

The site will have a mix of modern housing designs. It will use areas of open space to create smaller communities of houses in clusters. These neighbourhoods will prevent the site from looking like one large, hard-to-navigate housing development.  It will also help to reduce the visual impact of the development.