Burnley Council Rejects Housing Development Over Ground Stability Concerns

A plan by a developer, Habitat Green Ltd, to build eight new homes in Padiham has been rejected by Burnley Council due to concerns about ground stability. The proposed development on Grove Lane would have included two terraces of four dwellings, but council planners cited the risk of land instability and potential harm to the character and appearance of the area. Nearby residents had also objected to the scheme on grounds including biodiversity concerns, ecology impact, and land stability. The application had been initially granted permission in 2018 for five houses, but that permission had expired.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposed housing development on Grove Lane in Padiham was rejected by Burnley Council due to concerns about ground stability.
• The rejection was based on a report by a planning officer which stated that the submitted information had not demonstrated the proposal could be made safe from the risks of land instability.
• Nearby residents objected to the scheme citing concerns about biodiversity, ecology impact, and land stability, in addition to the character and appearance of the area.
• The site had previously been granted planning permission in 2018 for five houses, but that permission had expired.
• A land instability risk assessment was requested by the Case Officer in December 2024, but one has not been forthcoming.
• The proposed development would have included two identical terraces of four dwellings, with each parcel of land having a unique layout.
• The development was aimed to be mirror-like in design, mirroring the layout of the previously approved eastern parcel.

Statistics:

• 2 separate parcels of land were identified for the proposed development on Grove Lane.
• 5 houses were initially granted planning permission in 2018, which has now expired.
• 4 nearby residents objected to the new scheme on grounds including biodiversity and ecology concerns.
• 2 identical terraces of 4 dwellings each were suggested in the proposed plans.

Sources:

• Burnley Council Committee report (no date provided)