Derelict Oswaldtwistle site set for new affordable homes

MCI Developments wants to build the properties on land once occupied by Rhyddings Mills at the junction of Catlow Hall Street and Stone Bridge Lane in Oswaldtwistle.

The homes would be managed by a registered local affordable housing provider and all would be available for renting.

The largely vacant site which includes a redundant church building has repeatedly been the target of vandals and arsonists in recent years.

MCI propose to demolish the former place of worship and build of 37 affordable two and three-bedroom houses, consisting of 27 two-storey semi-detached and mews properties, and 10 two and half-storey semi-detached town houses, with 67 car parking slots, open space and landscaping.

The new estate would be accessed off Catlow Hall Street.

The site in its current state

MCI hope to start work in March and complete the development by September 2025 if approval is granted and say the new homes will meet a shortage of affordable homes in Oswaldtwistle and Hyndburn borough.

The Wigan-based firm has submitted a planning application for the scheme on the site of the mill built in 1856 and located in the Rhyddings Conservation Area.

Local St Andrews ward Councillor Steven Smithson said: "It is good that the site is being redeveloped but we have concerns about the proposed access onto Catlow Hall Street which is a very busy road."

Supporting documents submitted with the planning application to Hyndburn Council say: "The 37 dwellings will consist of 11 two-bed homes 26 three-bed homes.

"The design of the dwellings consists of traditional, two and two and half-storey homes with a high-quality reconstituted stone facing material.

"The dwellings are of traditional pitched roof construction with slate grey roof tiles.

"It is a 100 per cent affordable scheme which has abnormal costs to demolish a former church and remediate the grounds of a former mill site.

"Access to the proposed development is achieved via Catlow Hall Street to the east and Stone Bridge Lane to the south

"All of the properties benefit from rear gardens and either front gardens or alternative provision for landscaping.

"The former church is a one-storey building in height, clad with reconstituted stone and pebble dash and of no architectural merit.

"The remaining land comprises overgrown vegetation, storage and outbuildings.

"This is an important investment into the area to promote regeneration and provide affordable housing.

"The proposed design and layout will provide high-quality homes and an attractive living environment that harmonises with the surrounding area.

"Furthermore, the proposals will preserve the setting of the neighbouring Conservation Area."