Mixed use and public space scheme goes ahead in Pendle, Lancashire

An ambitious multi million pound flagship scheme to regenerate a run-down area of Nelson, Lancashire, has been given the go-ahead. Proposals by developers R.gen to breathe new life into the historic Whitefield area, one of Pendle Council's key Housing Market Renewal areas, gained unanimous approval from Nelson's Area Planning Committee.

The outline permission given to Manchester based R.gen means existing homes will be refurbished and re-modelled and new homes built, all equipped for 21st century living - subject to detailed planning approval.

Permission to renovate 139 homes, build 72 new homes, demolish 16 houses and up to five industrial buildings marks the dawn of a new era for Whitefield. R.gen's plan upgrades existing homes to 21st century standards, opens up the canal corridor and creates attractive public spaces.

This week talks were continuing between the Council, English Partnerships and Elevate, the Housing Market Renewal initiative for East Lancashire, on financing the scheme, which it's predicted will attract substantial private and public sector investment.

It follows a wide debate about the district's future and much local consultation. Pendle Council has worked with the local community, Elevate, English Heritage, the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment and CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and a range of other organisations to develop the proposals for Whitefield.

Whitefield, which has a unique mix of 19th terraced mill workers' housing, industrial and community buildings, was once the subject of wide-ranging demolition proposals.

The debate culminated in an Enquiry By Design facilitated by the Prince's Foundation and an international architectural competition won by R.gen with architects Maccreanor Lavington.

The outline plans have gained the backing of both the Whitefield Regeneration Partnership and the Whitefield Community Forum.

The proposals cover land bounded by the canal bank, Macleod Street, Manchester Road and Stanley Street.

R.gen is committed to sustainable, environmentally friendly development. It has also been given the go-ahead to create a combined heat and power plant to provide local energy supplies.

Meanwhile the Committee also backed plans to convert the landmark former Water Board offices on Every Street, Whitefield into an Enterprise Haven with incubator units for business units, offices and a training facility that will help with the district's economic recovery.