Blackburn with Darwen Council has kickstarted the delivery of one of the borough’s most ambitious housing projects—an urban extension that will see more than 1,500 new homes built on land to the north of Whalley Old Road.
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Site investigation works began this week, led by Bury-based LK Group, following a successful tender process. The environmental consultants will carry out a four-week programme to assess the condition of the land, confirm foundation stability, and identify any hazards that could affect development.
The 214-acre site, designated as the North East Blackburn Strategic Housing Site, is the largest single housing allocation in the borough’s Local Plan and is seen as a vital part of tackling local housing need.
The council, which owns around 45% of the site, is the largest stakeholder and is leading the regeneration work. It expects to bring the land to market by late 2026.
📈 The Housing Delivery Timeline
- 30 homes expected by the end of 2026
- 300 homes delivered by 2031
- 690 homes total by 2037
- A further 810 homes in the longer term
Alongside new homes, the Local Plan outlines ambitions for community infrastructure, including a local centre with shops or services, and potentially a primary healthcare facility such as a GP or dentist – although its necessity will remain under review. The plan also emphasises the importance of delivering new public open spaces, to address a current shortage in the area.
Colin Crompton, Director at LK Group, praised the council’s ambition:
“Winning the tender to support much-needed housing delivery in Blackburn gives our team a real sense of pride. We’re pleased to be part of such a forward-thinking regeneration project.”
This development is part of the council’s wider housing strategy to deliver 7,000 new homes across Blackburn with Darwen over the lifetime of the Local Plan.
