A study has shown that around one fifth of homes in Blackburn with Darwen do not have access to green space.

The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs estimates close to 14,000 of the 64,700 households in the borough do not have an accessible green space of two hectares or larger within 1km of their house – accounting for 21 per cent of homes.

A council spokesperson, though, said the densely populated residential areas within the borough will impact upon the figures in the study.

The Health Foundation said the Government must prioritise providing access to green spaces in its plan to build more homes, adding "innovative action" is needed to improve access in deprived neighbourhoods.

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Gwen Nightingale, assistant director of the Healthy Lives team at the Health Foundation, said studies show people living in areas with more access to green space tend to have better general health, mental wellbeing, and higher life expectancies than those with limited access.

She added those living in the most deprived neighbourhoods are four times more likely to live in areas with the least access to green space, saying "innovative action" is needed to improve inequalities.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and executive member for growth and development, said: “Here in Blackburn with Darwen, we’re incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by glorious, rolling countryside – in fact, more than two thirds of the borough is green and open space.

 “Our many parks and woodlands are also well-used and within easy reach for our residents. You can’t beat a walk through Sunnyhurst Woods, Corporation Park or Billinge Woods or a bike ride through Witton Park and Pleasington. There’s also our many  trails, including the Arron Trail at Shadsworth and the Weaver’s Wheel too.

 “Of course, it’s important to remember that Blackburn with Darwen is historically an industrial area and so we do have densely populated residential areas. This will impact on the figures reported in this study.

 “I’d also like to stress that protecting our existing green space is very much a priority for the council while also looking to create quality, new open spaces  – this is reflected in our recently adopted Local Plan, a blueprint for the future of our borough between now and 2037.

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 “That plan sets out strict rules, including around new developments and the need for what is known as green and blue infrastructure – supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents, enhancing biodiversity and also helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

In nearby Burnley, it’s a different story, with figures suggesting the town has some of the best access to green space in the North West.

The figures show 39,000 of the roughly 42,000 households in the town have access to a green space two hectares or bigger within 1km of their home – around 92 per cent.

In Burnley, 25 per cent of households meet the doorstep standard, meaning they have an accessible green space of at least 0.5 hectares within 200 metres.

Meanwhile, 20 per cent meet the local standard – a green space of at least two hectares within a five minute walk from home.

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Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, said: "Since Covid there has been a greater awareness of the importance of green spaces for both physical and mental health, as well as the critical role they play in cooling urban heat.

"The goal must be to ensure everyone has access to green space, nature and the benefits they bring."

A Defra spokesperson said: "Our countryside and green spaces are a source of great national pride. But too many across the country are left without access to the great outdoors.”

They added the Government will increase access to nature by creating nine new national river walks and planting three new national forests, while a new community right-to-buy will "empower" communities to create new parks and green spaces.