A housebuilder is contributing more than £200,000 towards Blackburn's biodiversity.

Bovis Homes' section 106 agreement for the Sunnybower Meadow development on Whalley Old Road includes a commitment to biodiversity net gains (BNG).

BNG is a new mandatory planning requirement for new developments as a way to create and improve local natural habitats.

Developers must deliver a BNG of 10 per cent, with the aim of providing better quality environments than previously existed.

Gemma Hardy, managing director of Vistry Merseyside and Cheshire West, said: “Biodiversity net gain is a new requirement for section 106 agreements but one we have always considered important and are keen to invest in.

"When we create a new development, we’re not just building homes, we’re creating a new community that fits within and enhances the local environment.

"Ensuring there are plenty of natural habitats for wildlife to grow and thrive is a key part of this."

The Sunnybower Meadow development is made up of 132 homes on sale on the open market, and 33 affordable homes available through Together Housing as shared ownership.

Ms Hardy added: “Together with our contributions towards the highways and transport networks, we hope Sunnybower Meadow will have a positive impact on both residents who choose to live here and the wider Blackburn area.”

The funding comes as part of a £793,000 contribution by the housebuilder agreed with Blackburn with Darwen Council to improve infrastructure to handle the new estate.

Over the next three years, Bovis Homes will be contributing to improvements to the highway network and sustainable transport options.

The housebuilder’s funding will go towards the local bus services and new cycle storage facilities at nearby train stations.

Planned works to help traffic flow in the area for current and new residents are also on the agenda.