Preston firm eyes new complex of 2 shops, 2 flats, and 4 detached affordable homes
A former Presbytery site in Blackburn has been earmarked for a small development of shops, flats and houses
Preston-based Landmark NW Ltd want to build the new complex on vacant land adjacent to former St John Vianney RC Church in Livesey Branch Road, Ewood. It has asked Blackburn with Darwen Council for outline planning permission for two commercial units with two flats above, and four detached affordable dwellings
A supporting statement submitted with the application says: “The site is located within an urban area between Blackburn and Feniscowles. It is to the west of Blackburn town centre, along the A6062 leading from Ewood to Feniscowles.
“The site itself consists of 2502.5 Square meters of grassland, formerly a Presbytery with the site boundaries featuring walls, hedgerows and trees, of which some are protected, which provide natural screening to the neighbouring dwellings along Livesey Branch Road and Cherry Clough Way.
“On the site’s Western border is the Catholic St Thomas Syro Malabar Church. The applicant’s brief was to create two commercial units with street frontage that matches the local character of the area, with private residencies behind.
“The concept was to create eco-focused, affordable dwellings to supplement the housing market and provide safe, private housing in a desirable area. The commercial units will feature a dentist and another unit, potentially a shop or food etc.
“This is in a good location for the local residents and provides access to an NHS service and a new local amenity. The external materiality to the façades of the dwellings is in-keeping with the existing local palette of the surrounding built environment.
“The dwellings are oriented best for privacy, with private spaces set back from boundaries, and private amenity spaces not overlooking, or being overlooked, by other existing dwellings. The minimum requirement of hard standing is proposed providing safe access and offering sufficient parking spaces and driveways.
“The external spaces will be made good and re-landscaped to create front and rear gardens, or green spaces surrounding the commercial units. The new gardens will feature new trees, and any proposed soft landscaping, will be in character and native to the local area.
“The site is within an eight-minute walk of St. Bede’s High School and Meadowhead Junior School. There are shops provided along Livesey Branch Road and in Mill Hill (15-minute walk) Hospitality spots are also all within a 15-minute of the site providing entertainment and food.
“Pleasington playing fields and Witton Country park provide excellent green space and entertainment year round, easily accessed via walking/bus.”
Details of the actual buildings will be the subject of a separate reserved matters application if outline planning permissions is granted,