Bolton Council has given the go-ahead to Lane End Group for an affordable housing development at Rivington Chase at its planning committee meeting on Thursday 22nd April.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the project, which features a mix of 78 one- and two-bedroom apartments, and 38 two-, three-, and four-bedroom family houses.
The development forms part of the heritage plans for the £262m regeneration project which will comprise of 1,700 homes alongside heritage, educational, retail, leisure, health and well-being facilities.
Lane End Group is developing the property for two social housing providers.
Managing Director Richard Harrison said:
“This decision means it is full steam ahead for our social enterprise Lane End New Beginnings, which works with not-for-profit organisations and those in need of support. We know how important the former Loco Works are to the local community, so I’m pleased that we are able to provide the area with much needed affordable homes that also commemorate the site’s iconic heritage.”
A spokesperson for Bolton Council commented,
“Making sure that our residents have affordable places to live is a key priority for the council and an important consideration when we put forward the old Horwich Loco Works for redevelopment. We’re pleased that the plans have been approved and look forward to seeing the development.”
Mark Caldwell, chief executive of Bluemantle, added,
“I’m pleased this scheme has the full backing of Bolton Council and that we can provide vital affordable housing for the community. We have worked hard to put forward a development that reflects the special heritage of the former Loco Works. I’m really excited to see the affordable housing shaping up alongside the heritage and community core plans that will provide a range of amenities and open spaces to be enjoyed by the whole community and for generations to come.”
Councillors voted to approve the application with conditions attached on the development to provide: adequate electric vehicle charging points, landscaping to include mature trees and ecological conditions to consider provision for bat and bird boxes.
The affordable housing development is expected to be completed by February 2024. It will be built on a phased basis and in coordination with the construction of a new link road and roundabout which will connect the site to Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich Parkway railway station, and Junction 6 of the M61.