A brand new neighbourhood boasting more than 400 homes could be built in an East Lancashire town, according to new proposals drawn up by the council.

The Holden Fold masterplan has been revealed today, which could see derelict land on the former Darwen Moorland High School site sold-off and developed into a new community with 430 houses, new roads, expanded primary school capacity and an upgrade for the Square Meadow sports facility.

Residents are now being asked to have their say on the masterplan proposals.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Councillor Phil Riley, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “The land in Holden Fold has stood empty for some time now after the former school buildings had to be demolished due to arson.

“This is a chance to breathe new life in to the whole area – creating a quality development of homes for residents in the town and surrounding areas.

“The masterplan sets out the ambitions for the site, where over 400 houses could create a brand new neighbourhood.

“We’ll be putting it on show as part of a public consultation and are asking residents to come forward with their comments, ideas and suggestions.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The land in Holden Fold and the surrounding area has been derelict for many years, since the old high school was demolished in 2016.

Teaching finished at Darwen Moorland in 2008, before it housed Darwen Vale High School for a number of years while construction work was being carried out at Vale's Blackburn Road site.

But the school was then left vacant after Vale moved back to its Earcroft home in September 2012 and after serving no purpose for three years, a planning application was submitted to knock it down.

Before it was demolished the building suffered from several arson attacks which gave rise to safety fears and frustration among residents and local councillors.

In 2016, no application for planning had been submitted to develop the site but it was earmarked for housing as part of the council's Local Plan which proposed to build 9,400 homes by 2020.

Once the new masterplan has been agreed, it would be used to help secure planning permission for the land – which has a range of owners, including the council.

The land, which borders Holden Fold, Roman Road and Polyphemus Woods would then be sold for development.

Cllr Riley added: “Houses on the other new sites in Darwen are selling well.

"This is an opportunity to create another quality development in the town and this masterplan is key to delivering that.

“The site has already been earmarked for housing as part of the Local Plan and this process will ensure it is developed in a comprehensive and co-ordinated way.

“The proposals would include a range of homes, including affordable housing as well as properties for rent.

“All of the homes would be built to incorporate the public footpaths and there will be greenspace.

“This site is one of five major housing allocations for Darwen and the masterplan helps set out a clear vision for the future.”

Exhibition boards outlining the masterplan can be viewed at Darwen Market from Monday September 7 until Monday, October 5.

Residents are able to have their say throughout that period with their feedback being considered to inform the final plan.

Due to the restrictions around coronavirus and in a bid to keep residents safe, residents can also access the full information online from Monday blackburn.gov.uk/about-council/consultations.

Printed versions of the full masterplan and supporting documents will also be available to view in Darwen Library.