An updated masterplan linked to various planning applications to build 400 homes on 54 acres of land at Edenfield are set to be considered by Rossendale councillors.

The Rossendale Council Edenfield masterplan covers various plots of land west of Market Street and east of the A56 dual carriageway.

The sites are owned by different firms and individuals, including house builders Taylor Wimpey and Northstone.

The masterplan has been revised since 2021, based on various concerns, a council planning report states.

Now member of the development control committee are being asked to approve two important initial criteria, subject to more consultation responses.

The Edenfield sites were allocated for developments of 400 homes when the Rossendale Local Plan was adopted in 2021.  Different plots have five different owners so  a masterplan was needed.

Following concerns by council officers, residents and consultee organisations, amended versions of the masterplan evolved over 2022, 2023 and this year.

A report states: “Five versions of the masterplan, phasing and implementation strategy, and design codes have been subject to consultation with neighbouring residents and statutory consultees, as your officers have sought to achieve an acceptable proposal that will guide future development.”

Part of the borough’s local plan said development of land west of Market Street would be supported if different criteria were met.

Now the first two criteria - concerning phasing and designs codes, have to be agreed by councillors.

Other criteria include transport assessments, access points for fields next to 5 Blackburn Road and opposite 88 to 116 Market Street, mitigation work for Market Street to handle extra traffic, improvements from Blackburn Road to the mini-roundabout near the Rawstron Arms and a heritage assessment.

Planning chiefs say new homes should have views of the church, nearby woodland should be strengthened, land tests should be done regarding the A56 road’s strength and drainage suitability should be considered.

Primary schools will have to be expanded, and a secondary school considered, possibly on land near Edenfield CE Primary.

There should also be noise and air quality impacts and mitigation, consideration given to the impact of any future widening of the A56 on homes, nature assessments and improvements to green belt land.

Land to the south controlled by Northsone is subject to proposals for 50 homes. A central plot is wanted by Taylor Wimpey for 238 homes. Other plots are owned by the Methodist Church and individuals.

Councillors will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, to debate the masterplan.