Great news, countryside in Barnoldswick saved from bulldozers!

Lancashire beauty spot Greenberfield Locks will stay green thanks to a campaign objecting to 60 new houses on agricultural land in the Borough of Pendle, which resulted in the refusal of planning permission.

On 26 June, an application to bulldoze farm fields in the countryside was unanimously refused at the Borough of Pendle’s Planning Committee. Many local residents attended the meeting, with some 14 people voicing their concerns as to why the application should be refused. The area around Greenberfield Locks, beside the highest point of the Leeds Liverpool canal, is a true beauty spot, and people are passionate about wanting to keep it that way. Visitors come from miles around to enjoy walks along the canal with spectacular views of the surrounding rural landscapes.

60 new homes on greenfield site proposed

The proposal was for a major residential development of 60 houses on greenfield land north east of Meadow Lane and Skipton Lane in Barnoldswick. The land is currently used for farming, which CPRE Lancashire believes is vital for continued food production for the benefit of future generations. Building on a site like this would have contradicted national and local plan planning policies.

After being contacted by residents concerned for their natural surroundings, CPRE Lancashire wrote a letter (download attachment below), to the Planning Committee, recommending that they refuse the application. The Parish Council had also opposed the development of the area.

Assessed housing need figures challenged

Furthermore, the Government recently consulted on a proposed new method for Objectively Assessed Need and derived a figure of 165 dwellings per year for Pendle – much lower than the local plan had been suggesting before. We advised the council to take the lower figure when deciding assessing the five year housing land supply.

Local residents thanked CPRE Lancashire for our help, and we’re delighted that our support played a part in this success, so that everyone can carry on enjoying the beautiful countryside around Greenberfield Locks.

CPRE Lancashire Objection to Barnoldswick Planning Application