Bolton Council has given the green light for an affordable housing scheme at Rivington Chase, which will deliver 116 new homes
Councillors voted unanimously to grant approval for the affordable housing scheme at Rivington Chase which will deliver 116 residential units at the 187-acre brownfield site on the former Horwich Loco Works.
The site is being developed by Lane End Group for two social housing providers.
The development forms part of the heritage plans for the £262m Loco Works regeneration project which will comprise 1,700 homes alongside heritage, educational, retail, leisure, health and well-being facilities.
Reserved matters approval was granted for 116 units comprising of 40 one-bedroom apartments, 38 two-bedroom apartments, 9 two-bedroom houses, 19 three-bedroom houses and 10 four-bedroom houses.
The four-storey apartments will be split into two blocks on either side of a central corridor, while the houses are arranged in terraced blocks of four to five to recreate the appearance of the former Loco Works, first opened in 1886.
‘Full steam ahead’
A spokesperson for Bolton Council, said: “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.”
Richard Harrison, Lane End Group managing director, commented: “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.”
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.”
The affordable housing scheme at Rivington Chase is expected to be completed by February 2024.
