A flagship housing development in Lancashire that had stalled when the contractor went into administration has been revived and is progressing to the next phase.
The construction of the 450-home Watermills development on the former Sappi Papermill site came to a halt in January 2023 when the primary building contractor, Bradford-based Torpoint (Civils) Ltd, entered administration.
In January, independent housebuilder Wain Homes formed a partnership with landowners Black Pearl Capital to finish the estate off Livesey Branch Road, Feniscowles and construct the remainder of a significant 'spine road' between Moulden Brow and Livesey Branch Road, of which only the main entrance has been completed so far.
Black Pearl Capital was granted planning permission in 2015 to transform the site, with approval for up to 500 homes and four commercial premises.
Wain Homes has now submitted a planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council to build 181 properties, complete with access and infrastructure, including the completion of the link road on the 15.56-acre site.
At the time work ceased, only 17 houses were occupied.
The new planning application includes two, three and four-bedroom properties designed as detached, semi-detached or mews.
All properties on site will be two or 2.5 storeys high with single-storey garages, featuring a mix of red and orange brick with grey pitched roof tiles. Each property will have rear gardens and private space at the front. Some properties will also include tree shrubs and planting.
The development will comprise 54 two-bedroom homes, including 30 flats, 100 three-bedroom properties and 27 four-bedroom detached houses, all available in 11 distinct designs.
Local councillor and Conservative planning spokesperson Paul Marrow expressed relief at the progress, stating: "It's good news that something is finally happening. Residents just want to get this finished."
A statement supporting the project outlines: "This development forms the first of two phases to develop the site and the link road between Livesey Branch Road and Moulden Brow."
The document further details: "This Phase 1 application includes a further section of the spine road to be completed with Phase 2 proposing the remainder to Moulden Brow. The Phase 2 land also forms part of this planning application as future development."
The applicant is now pushing forward to fully deliver the remaining parts and the spine road.
The site is flanked by Livesey Branch Road to the north, Star Drive to the west, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the east. The canal is a significant feature, and the proposed development takes into account the preservation and enhancement of long-range views.
The report adds: "Both phases would be expected to be under construction for some five years providing stable employment into the short to medium term."
