New affordable homes approved for the former McKenzie Arms site in Bamber Bridge

Work is set to begin in 2021 and the development will see three, three-bedroom townhouses, nine one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom apartments.

All homes will be affordable rented homes that meet all current space and energy standards. Homes will also be aimed at the Passivhaus Standard.

This means that the homes will be built to a specific standard which will aim to give a high level of comfort, using very little energy for heating and cooling.

Coun Matthew Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Assets said: “What a result. I’m so pleased that development on this site has been approved by the committee.

“The McKenzie arms site has been a point of discussion and debate for years, and I cannot wait to see work start on much needed affordable homes in the borough next year.

“This will be the first time in 25 years that the council will own housing stock. It was a key aim of our administration when we took over the reins of South Ribble last May and hopefully this will be the first council-owned development of many.”

Coun Bill Evans, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and City Deal said, “South Ribble needs more higher standard, low carbon, affordable homes and we are delivering.

“We’re dedicated to ensuring that people across the borough can have access to affordable, safe and environmentally friendly housing, and this development at the McKenzie Arms site will meet the demand of stock which is vitally needed.

“Residents will know that the McKenzie Arms site has such a long history and I truly hope they share our excitement to bring the area into new use.

“This is our flagship development and we will continue to bring much needed housing to the area including vital jobs for local people.

“The next stage of the project will be to get a contractor on board to build the homes. We’re going to make sure we can be maximising social value everywhere possible such as creating apprenticeships and using the local supply chain.”

The site was acquired by the council in 2012 and will be the flagship development for the first in-house affordable homes since the Council’s stock transfer to Progress Housing over 25 years ago.

The initial go ahead for the project of the 15 homes was given by Cabinet in November 2019.