Burnley Council Approves Controversial Commercial Development Amidst Resident Objections

Burnley Council’s development control committee has granted planning permission for a new building to house six commercial units on the former Hargher Clough Mill site in Hargher Street, Burnley. The decision, made by DCL Lancashire Ltd, was approved despite significant opposition from local residents concerned about the impact on their properties and quality of life.

Key Takeaways

Burnley Council’s development control committee approved the construction of six commercial units.
The decision was made despite seven objections from nearby residents.
Concerns raised by residents include loss of light, amenity, increased noise, and impact on house values.
The site is allocated for housing, but previous development has established a precedent for light industrial use.

Project Details and Location

The proposed development by Padiham-based DCL Lancashire Ltd is situated on the northern area of the former Hargher Clough Mill site. The western half of the site retains an existing mill building and access, while the eastern area has been cleared. The central and southern parts of the wider mill site are already developed with industrial units. The site is relatively flat and enclosed by a high boundary wall, with a public footpath and residential properties located beyond its northern edge.

The Proposed Building and Amenities

The new industrial building will contain six units. It is designed to be a maximum of 36 metres wide and 15.2 metres deep, featuring a mono-pitched roof with a maximum height of 6 metres and eaves height of 4.5 metres. The development also includes plans for 13 additional car parking spaces, situated on the west and east sides of the building. Access to the site will be from Hargher Street.

Resident Concerns and Council’s Decision

Seven objections were lodged by nearby residents. Their concerns primarily focused on the potential loss of light to neighbouring residential properties and their rear gardens, a general loss of amenity, an increase in noise levels, and a potential negative impact on property values. A planning officer’s report acknowledged these objections, noting that the application was presented to the committee due to the number of objections received.

Despite the objections and the fact that the site is allocated for housing, the council’s decision was to grant permission. The report highlighted that the majority of the site has already been developed with light industrial storage units, and the remainder could not realistically be redeveloped for residential use. The principle of light industrial development had been established under a previous application. Consequently, while the proposal did not strictly align with Local Plan policy, it was deemed acceptable by the committee.