Pendle is set to see a major development project that will bring a new business park, eco-homes and 100 new houses to the area. The project, which is being led by Pendle Council and Pendle Vision Board, aims to boost the local economy, create jobs and improve the environment.
The vision for the new development
The new development will be located on a 67-acre site near Junction 13 of the M65, which is currently owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The site has been identified as a strategic employment site in the Pendle Local Plan, and has the potential to accommodate up to 1,000 new jobs.
The vision for the new development is to create a mixed-use scheme that will include:
- A new business park that will offer high-quality office and industrial space for local and regional businesses, as well as start-ups and entrepreneurs.
- Eco-homes that will be designed to minimise environmental impact and maximise energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources and low-carbon technologies.
- 100 new houses that will cater to a range of housing needs and preferences, including affordable and social housing, as well as market-rate homes.
- A new link road that will connect the site to the M65 and improve access and traffic flow in the area.
- A new green space that will provide recreational and leisure opportunities for residents and workers, as well as enhance the biodiversity and landscape of the site.
The benefits of the new development
The new development will bring a number of benefits to Pendle and the wider region, such as:
- Creating new employment opportunities and attracting new investment to the area, which will support the economic recovery and growth of Pendle and Lancashire.
- Providing new housing options and improving the quality and diversity of the housing stock in Pendle, which will meet the current and future demand and help to address the housing shortage in the area.
- Improving the environmental performance and sustainability of the site, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Enhancing the social and community well-being of the area, which will foster a sense of place and identity, and improve the health and happiness of the residents and workers.
The progress of the new development
The new development is currently in the planning stage, and is expected to be delivered in phases over the next 10 years. The first phase of the project will focus on the delivery of the new business park, which will provide 300,000 sq ft of office and industrial space. The second phase of the project will focus on the delivery of the eco-homes and the new houses, which will provide 200 and 100 units respectively. The third phase of the project will focus on the delivery of the new link road and the new green space, which will complete the transformation of the site.
The project is being supported by a number of partners, including the HCA, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, the Lancashire County Council, the Highways England, and the private sector developers and investors. The project is also being consulted with the local community and stakeholders, to ensure that the new development reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of Pendle.
The project is expected to start on site in 2024, subject to planning approval and funding availability. The project is estimated to cost £150 million, and is expected to generate £200 million in economic value for the area.
