The Council’s innovative Brownfield Regeneration Fund, which is there to bring housing sites, industrial sites and any other previously used sites that developers might not deem viable, back up to a usable condition. This in turn, helps the Council meet its required land allocation for new housing with brownfield sites, reducing the pressure on green spaces.
This fund has sat largely unused under the former Labour and Lib Dem Coalition, leading to several large housing applications, such as Trough Laithe in Barrowford and Greenberfield Locks in Barnoldswick, come in, with some being passed.
Coun. Linda Crossley commented, “This fund could drastically reduce the burden on Pendle’s green spaces and will ensure that they are here for future generations. As Conservatives, we’re committed to maintain and, where possible, improving the environment and protecting our countryside is goes someway to achieving that.”
The Council will also now have a more proactive and targeted approach, approaching land owners and potential developers to promote the brownfield sites – making sure the fund is used effectively and wisely.
Coun. Paul White commented, “The Conservative Administration is committed to building quality and affordable homes, but only in the right places for our Towns, Villages and the people that live in them. To make sure this is the case, we will promote brownfield sites wherever possible and utilise them for housing. Not only will this protect green spaces in Pendle, it will also improve the look of our area as former eyesores and derelict sites are brought back into use.”