Planning in Hyndburn

New and improved educational facilities

The Council will support proposals for accessible, high quality educational facilities that improve basic and higher level skills and qualifications.

New and improved educational facilities

The Council will support proposals for accessible, high quality educational facilities that improve basic and higher level skills and qualifications.

Green Space and facilities for walking and cycling

Major housing development (10 or more dwellings) will contribute towards the provision and maintenance of good quality, accessible, multi-functional green space. If it is demonstrated that it is not possible to make provision on site, then a financial contribution in lieu of actual provision will be provided by the developer that will be used to improve or maintain nearby areas of green space and improve pedestrian or cycleway facilities. Development comprising 5 houses or more, or commercial development of one hectare or 1,000 square metres of floorspace, will be required to provide or improve facilities that encourage walking and cycling.

Leisure, Health and Culture

Proposals for new or improved sports, recreation, health, community and cultural facilities will be supported. Existing sports and recreation, health, community and cultural facilities will be retained unless it can be demonstrated that such facilities are no longer necessary, or where adequate alternative provision is made to meet the needs of the community served by the facility.

High Quality Design

The character and quality of Hyndburn's urban and rural environments will be conserved and enhanced through high quality design and protection of heritage assets. New development will be expected to: a) Maintain and enhance local distinctiveness including the character and quality of both townscape and landscape; b) Deliver high quality design by taking into consideration the urban design principles of urban form, urban grain, landscape, density and mix, scale and appearance; c) Incorporate innovative design for schemes involving landmark buildings or schemes in key regeneration areas, along main transport routes, at gateways and in other prominent locations; d) Enhance the setting of historic structures and areas; e) Retain historical associations where possible; f) Be accessible and legible to all users; g) Ensure that public realm is safe and attractive, accessible, user friendly and complements the character of local townscape; h) Ensure that land stability and other risks associated with coal mining are considered and, where necessary, addressed through appropriate mitigation measures; i) Ensure that derelict and under used sites are promoted for high quality built development or for use as functional and attractive open space, and; j) Contribute towards the provision of public art in the Borough either on-site or by a financial contribution. This requirement applies to major developments only.

The Design of Residential Roads

Proposals for residential development should be designed in accordance with the principles established in the Manual for Streets with the aim of reducing vehicle speeds to no more than 20mph. The Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the planning application should demonstrate how this has been achieved.

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Rishton

Development adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Rishton will be expected to: a) Be of a high quality design that integrates the canal into the development proposal in a way that treats the waterway as an area of usable space; b) Integrate the waterway, towing path and canal environment into the public realm in terms of the design and management of the development; c) Improve access to, along and from the waterway and improve the environmental quality of the waterway corridor; d) Optimise views of water and generate natural surveillance of water space through the siting, configuration and orientation of buildings, recognising that appropriate boundary treatment and access issues may differ between the towing path and offside of the canal, and; e) Improve the amenity of the canal. Development that would have an adverse impact on the amenity of the canal by virtue of noise, odour or visual impact will not be supported. When off site improvements to the canal are required these will be delivered by the developer through the use of "Grampian" conditions or planning obligations.

Future Employment Provision

Approximately 58 hectares of land will be identified for employment uses (B1, B2 and B8) to meet the requirements of the Borough for the period 2011-2026. With the exception of land at Huncoat and south of Altham Business Park, sites will be identified within the existing urban area on either previously developed land or on greenfield land. Accrington Town Centre will be the principal centre and will provide for the Borough's key services, retail and town centre needs. Great Harwood will develop as a historic market town where new retail and town centre uses will be supported in the Town Centre provided it is at an appropriate scale. Rishton Town centre will be strengthened and enhanced as a local centre to provide key services to the local community. The role and function of centres in the Borough is considered in more detail by policies A2, GH2, A3 and R2.

Protection, Modernisation and Development of Employment Sites

a) Existing business parks, major industrial estates and other good quality employment sites will be retained for employment uses. b) The development of existing employment sites of adequate quality for alternative uses will only be permitted when part of the site is redeveloped for appropriate employment (within class B1) and where the criteria set out in part (c) below are satisfied. c) Employment sites not falling within the scope of a or b above will remain in employment use unless it can be demonstrated that: • continued use of the site would give rise to unacceptable environmental impacts, or; • there is no current or likely future demand for the site or premises for employment uses, or; • permitting an alternative use is the only viable means of retaining a building or premises which has particular architectural or historical significance. In all cases, redevelopment for alternative uses should not prejudice the operating conditions of other remaining employment uses.

Brookside Business Centre

a) The Brookside Business Centre will be retained for employment uses. b) The development of a Sustainable Construction Centre and Country Park would be supported in this area provided that its development is guided by a Supplementary Planning Document that has been developed in consultation with the local community and statutory consultees. A change to the Green Belt boundary to include the site of the former Clariant Chemicals works would only be supported in connection with this scheme.

Strategic Employment Site at Huncoat

The development of a strategic employment site at Huncoat for B1, B2 and B8 uses will be supported subject to the following criteria being met: a) The site is adequately connected by a new road to the primary road and motorway network and is accessible by public transport, walking and cycling; and b) High quality landscaping being provided at the site that incorporates natural environmental enhancements.

Future Employment Provision

Approximately 58 hectares of land will be identified for employment uses (B1, B2 and B8) to meet the requirements of the Borough for the period 2011-2026. With the exception of land at Huncoat and south of Altham Business Park, sites will be identified within the existing urban area on either previously developed land or on greenfield land. Accrington Town Centre will be the principal centre and will provide for the Borough's key services, retail and town centre needs. Great Harwood will develop as a historic market town where new retail and town centre uses will be supported in the Town Centre provided it is at an appropriate scale. Rishton Town centre will be strengthened and enhanced as a local centre to provide key services to the local community. The role and function of centres in the Borough is considered in more detail by policies A2, GH2, A3 and R2.

Protection, Modernisation and Development of Employment Sites

a. Existing business parks, major industrial estates and other good quality employment sites will be retained for employment uses. b. The development of existing employment sites of adequate quality for alternative uses will only be permitted when part of the site is redeveloped for appropriate employment (within class B1) and where the criteria set out in part (c) below are satisfied. c. Employment sites not falling within the scope of a or b above will remain in employment use unless it can be demonstrated that: • continued use of the site would give rise to unacceptable environmental impacts, or; • there is no current or likely future demand for the site or premises for employment uses, or; • it is the only viable means of retaining a building or premises which has particular architectural or historical significance. In all cases redevelopment for alternative uses should not prejudice the operating conditions of other remaining employment uses;

Strategic Regional Employment Site at Whitebirk

Land at Whitebirk will be developed as a Strategic Regional Employment Site that will provide for higher value business development.

Protection and development of Altham Business Park

a) Altham Business Park will be retained for employment uses. b) A small scale extension to Altham Business Park into the Green Belt will be supported, provided that it is to enable existing occupiers to meet their business needs.

Sustainable Development and Climate Change

All development must minimise negative impact on the environment and help to mitigate against the likely effects of Climate Change on present and future generations. This will be achieved by: a) Ensuring that new development is in sustainable locations, is accessible to goods and services, can be accessed on foot and by bicycle and improves links with public transport networks; b) Seeking to use locally sourced, reclaimed, recycled or low environmental impact products in design and construction and provide facilities for effective sustainable waste management in the operation of the development; c) Improving water efficiency standards by incorporating measures to recycle and conserve water resources; d) The incorporation of sustainable drainage systems; e) Incorporation of renewable or low carbon energy technology to provide at least 10% of predicted energy demand where feasible; f) The inclusion of greenspace, landscaping and habitat related enhancements; g) minimising greenhouse gas emissions through the use of high standards of insulation and by taking advantage of natural energy through the orientation and design of development, and by; h) Retro-fitting the above measures as part of proposals that involve a change of use or extension to an existing commercial or residential property; i) Ensuring that new development is directed away from areas at a high risk of flooding and incorporating appropriate mitigation against flooding in areas of lower risk; j) Ensuring that contaminated land, land stability and other risks associated with coal mining are considered and, where necessary, addressed through appropriate remediation and mitigation measures.

Renewable Energy

In order to contribute towards the achievement of national renewable energy targets the Council will support development of new sources of renewable energy provided that: a) measures are taken to avoid and where appropriate mitigate any negative impacts of the effects on local amenity resulting from development, construction and operation of the schemes. These will include measures to satisfactorily mitigate any effects on air quality, atmospheric emissions, noise, odour, water pollution and the disposal of waste, and; b) the visual impact can be accommodated within the landscape and the development would not give rise to an unacceptable adverse cumulative impact when considered in the context of other existing or consented developments, and; c) measures are taken to avoid and where appropriate mitigate any negative effect of the development on nature conservation features, biodiversity and geodiversity, including habitats and species, and; d) the site is accessible and the development of supporting infrastructure does not itself result in unacceptable adverse impacts, and; e) developers have engaged with the community and local authority at an early stage prior to the formal submission of any proposals, and; f) large scale renewable energy developments make provision for direct community benefits over the period of the development.

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Church

Development adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Church will be expected to: a. Be of a high quality design that integrates the canal into the development proposal in a way that treats the waterway as an area of usable space; b. Integrate the waterway, towing path and canal environment into the public realm in terms of the design and management of the development; c. Improve access to, along and from the waterway and improve the environmental quality of the waterway corridor; d. Optimise views of water and generate natural surveillance of water space through the siting, configuration and orientation of buildings, recognising that appropriate boundary treatment and access issues may differ between the towing path and offside of the canal, and; e. Improve the amenity of the canal. Development that would have an adverse impact on the amenity of the canal by virtue of noise, odour or visual impact will not be supported. When off site improvements to the canal are required these will be delivered by the developer through the use of "Grampian" conditions or planning obligations.

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Clayton-Le-Moors

Development adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Clayton-Le-Moors will be expected to: a) Be of a high quality design that integrates the canal into the development proposal in a way that treats the waterway as an area of usable space; b) Integrate the waterway, towing path and canal environment into the public realm in terms of the design and management of the development; c) Improve access to, along and from the waterway and improve the environmental quality of the waterway corridor; d) Optimise views of water and generate natural surveillance of water space through the siting, configuration and orientation of buildings, recognising that appropriate boundary treatment and access issues may differ between the towing path and offside of the canal, and; e) Improve the amenity of the canal. Development that would have an adverse impact on the amenity of the canal by virtue of noise, odour or visual impact will not be supported. When off site improvements to the canal are required these will be delivered by the developer through the use of "Grampian" conditions or planning obligations.

Environmental Amenity

Proposals for new development will be permitted only if it is demonstrated that the material impacts arising by reason of traffic, visual impact, noise, dust, emissions, pollution, odour, over-looking or loss of light, or other nuisances will not give rise to unacceptable adverse impacts or loss of local amenity and can be properly controlled in accordance with best practice and recognised standards.

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure resources will be protected, enhanced and extended, and by linking these resources, a multi-functional Green Infrastructure network will be created. Where developments are within, or in close proximity to the Green Infrastructure network they will be expected to contribute towards its protection and enhancement.

Natural Environment Enhancement

Opportunities for natural environment enhancement will be secured by ensuring that all development within or in proximity to ecological or geological resources: a) protect those resources, and; b) incorporate appropriate resource enhancement and positive management measures, and; c) contribute to an effective ecological network through expansion and re-connection of environmental resources, particularly where such improvements would complement local regeneration priorities and improvements to health and well-being. The level of protection afforded to ecological and geological resources will depend upon their level of importance and vulnerability.

Landscape Character

The design of new development must be appropriate to the landscape character type within which it is situated and should contribute towards the conservation, enhancement, or restoration of landscape character or creation of appropriate new features. Landscape character will be protected and enhanced by: a) Ensuring that new development is well integrated with the existing settlement pattern, respecting the small scale dispersed pattern of farmsteads and clusters of buildings; b) Maintaining and reinforcing a clear distinction between the urban edge and the rural areas; c) Restricting new development on the upper slopes of prominent hillsides and minimising the impact of development on prominent ridge and summit lines; d) Maintaining consistency of building materials, details and design; e) Encouraging the restoration of traditional field boundary walls and hedgerows, and; f) Encouraging the creation of new complementary landscapes in association with new developments.

Environmental Amenity

Proposals for new development will be permitted only if it is demonstrated that the material impacts arising by reason of traffic, visual impact, noise, dust, emissions, pollution, odour, over-looking or loss of light, or other nuisances will not give rise to unacceptable adverse impacts or loss of local amenity and can be properly controlled in accordance with best practice and recognised standards.

Historic Character and Identity

Historic character and identity will be supported by protecting and enhancing: a) The contribution of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the surrounding rural areas; b) The Industrial archaeology site at Aspen Colliery; c) The pre-industrial settlement at Tottleworth, and; d) The historic parkland at the Dunkenhalgh, Clayton-le-Moors.

Amount and Distribution of Housing in Accrington

3200 new houses will be developed within the Borough and a five year supply of deliverable sites for housing development will be maintained. 75% of new housing will be developed within the main urban area of Accrington and its townships.

Housing in Huncoat

Land to the north of the Preston/Colne railway line off Station Road in Huncoat will be developed for housing

Housing in Great Harwood

3200 new houses will be developed in the Borough of which approximately 15% will be in Great Harwood.

Housing Provision

Provision will be made for 3200 new dwellings (net of demolition) during the period 2011-2026 and a five year supply of deliverable sites for housing development will be maintained. New housing development will aim to provide a mix of house types based on the following proportions: Detached 26% Semi-detached Housing 49% Terraced 5% Bungalows 8% Flat / Maisonette 12% New apartment development will only be supported within, or within walking distance (250m or closer) of, Accrington and Great Harwood Town Centres or as part of high quality developments in canal side locations where the regeneration benefits of this type of development can be demonstrated. The development of bungalows and specialised "extra care" homes for elderly people will be supported. There will be a strong presumption against the development of housing within the garden or curtilage of residential properties.

Affordable Housing

On developments of 15 or more houses the developer will be required to make provision for 20% of the houses to be affordable. In meeting this target consideration will be given to the availability of financial grants and evidence on the economic viability of individual developments.

Gypsy and Traveller Provision

Adequate provision will be made in the Borough for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople by: • Protecting the existing site in Altham for the use of Travelling Showpeople; • Protecting existing permanent sites which are authorised for Gypsy and Traveller use; • Identifying land at Sankey House Farm to meet future needs.

Housing in Rishton

3200 new houses will be developed in the Borough of which approximately 10% will be in Rishton. New apartment development will be supported in canalside locations as part of high quality schemes that also include a mix of housing types.

Amount and Distribution of Housing in Rural Areas

In settlements within the rural area new housing development will be limited to that needed to meet specific local needs that satisfy the requirements of Green Belt and other rural policies.

Community Benefits / Planning Obligations

Where needs arise directly as a result of development, the Council will seek to secure planning obligations or agreements pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Through such obligations and agreements the Council will seek to ensure that development proposals meet the reasonable cost of new infrastructure made necessary by the proposal including: transport, utilities, education, community and cultural facilities, health, leisure and waste management.

The Balanced Development Strategy

The following principles underpin the Local Development Framework for Hyndburn and other elements of the LDF, strategies and individual proposals should adhere to these principles: a) The existing settlement pattern and hierarchy of centres will be maintained and supported by concentrating development within the urban areas and in centres of a scale and type appropriate to their role. Accrington and its townships will accommodate the majority of new development. Modest growth is proposed in Great Harwood, and Rishton would develop in a manner consistent with its size and function. Development that is appropriate to the scale and role of the townships will be supported to help sustain these areas and the services they provide to their communities. b) Accrington Town Centre will be the principal centre and will provide for the Borough's key services, retail and town centre needs. Great Harwood will develop as a historic market town where new retail and town centre uses will be supported in the Town Centre provided it is at an appropriate scale. Rishton Town centre will be strengthened and enhanced as a local centre to provide key services to the local community. c) Development within the rural area will be limited to that supporting farm diversification and promoting leisure and recreational facilities whilst retaining landscape character. Within the settlements of Belthorn and Altham new development will be limited to that required to meet specific local needs that satisfy the requirements of Green Belt and other rural policies. d) Sufficient land will be made available to meet the Borough's employment and housing needs. Development of strategic employment sites at Whitebirk and Huncoat will help provide higher value job opportunities in accessible locations. Good quality employment sites will be protected and the improvement of poorer sites by allowing enabling development will also be supported. Land at the former colliery site at Huncoat will be developed for high quality housing to help meet the Borough's housing needs. e) The overall general extent of the Green Belt will be maintained. Locally important changes to the Green Belt will made at the following locations: i) Huncoat, between Altham Lane and the Railway; ii) The former Huncoat Colliery, north of the railway; iii) Oswaldtwistle, the former chemical works; iv) Land to the south of Altham Business Park. f) Priority will be given to developing brownfield land within the urban areas, focussing investment and improvement in key regeneration areas and attracting new development into the highly accessible settlement at Huncoat. g) The LDF will recognise the importance of protecting and enhancing green infrastructure and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. h) The LDF will recognise the importance of the environment in reinforcing the local sense of place and improving quality of life. Existing environmental assets will be protected and enhanced and new development will be expected to contribute to the local character and distinctiveness of the natural, built and cultural environment in which it is sited. i) The LDF will promote balanced communities where everyone has easy access to a range of services and facilities. Improvements in public transport will be secured and connectivity between Pennine Lancashire and Greater Manchester will also be improved.

Accrington Town Centre

Accrington Town Centre will consolidate and develop as the principal centre and historic market town, providing for the Borough's key services and comparison and food retailing needs. Independent retailers will provide for specialist/leisure shopping needs for the Borough. New comparison and convenience (including food) retailing will be focussed in Accrington Town Centre. Existing and future day to day shopping needs will be met in town, township and neighbourhood centres and, at an appropriate scale, in sustainable locations where there are identified deficiencies. New office development will be focussed in Accrington Town Centre with smaller scale development at the Church Oswaldtwistle Gateway and at former employment sites that are being redeveloped for a mix of uses.

Development of Local Centres in Accrington

The centres of Clayton-le-Moors, and Oswaldtwistle will be developed for a range of facilities to support their local communities.

Great Harwood Town Centre

Great Harwood Town Centre will develop as a historic market town providing key local services and specialist / leisure shopping facilities for the northern part of the Borough. The historic character and identity of the Town Centre will be protected and enhanced. New, small scale, retailing will be permitted within the Town Centre and existing and future day to day shopping needs will be met provided it is at an appropriate scale, in sustainable locations where there are identified deficiencies. New office development in Great Harwood Town Centre will also be encouraged provided that it is of an appropriate scale.

Rishton Local Centre

The character and identity of Rishton will be supported by strengthening and improving the quality of the street scene in Rishton centre. The centre will be strengthened and enhanced as a local centre to provide key services to the local community.

Whinney Hill Link Road

The development of a new road connecting the A56 at the Burnley Road junction with the Huncoat Strategic Employment Site, the housing site on the former Huncoat Colliery and Bolton Avenue will be supported subject to the following criteria being met: a) High quality landscaping being provided along its length which will secure conservation and enhancement of the wider natural environment; b) The implementation of measures that would prohibit heavy goods vehicles using Highergate Road, Lowergate Road, the stretch of Bolton Avenue south of the Railway Bridge and Whinney Hill Road at Whalley Road, and; c) The implementation of measures that would prevent heavy goods vehicles using the Stretch of Whinney Hill Road between its junction with Sherwood Way and Whinney Hill Landfill Site.

Improving Connectivity

Proposals to improve connectivity of the towns in Hyndburn with neighbouring areas by road or rail will be supported provided the environmental and social impacts associated with the proposals are properly taken into consideration and mitigation measures put into place where necessary, and that they promote mobility and access for all.

Cycle and Footpath Networks

Cycle, footpath and bridleway networks will be safeguarded and extended. Where appropriate, contributions towards the improvement and maintenance of these networks will be sought from developers as a means of ensuring that new developments are accessible by a variety of means of transport.

Motorway and Trunk Road Improvements

The Borough Council will support proposals for the improvement of the motorway network and trunk road network in Pennine Lancashire where these improvements are required to facilitate improvements in the capacity of the network necessary to facilitate the development of a healthy economy in the sub-region.