Go ahead finally given to kickstart failed Blackpool housing development

Councillors unanimously approved an application by Great Places Housing Association to build 67 affordable homes on the west side of the Foxhall Village site.

The scheme will see 64 houses, comprised of two, three and four bedroomed properties, and a block of three apartments built, on land between Blundell Street and Princess Street.

Members of the council's planning committee heard the site had become an eyesore since building work stopped in 2019 when previous developer Hollinwood Homes went into administration after completing 193 houses.

Jordan Balazs, who addressed the committee on behalf of architects Cassidy and Ashton, said: "Foxhall Village has been a welcome addition to the affordable housing provision in Blackpool.

"Phase three of the development, which relates to the application site, previously received planning permission in 2019 for 74 dwellings including 15 apartments alongside small scale retail and public realm provision.

"While some work began on site, the developer faced significant economic challenges and was unable to finish the development.

"The site has therefore remained vacant for a number of years and has become a notable eyesore as described by local residents."

She added Great Places and its design team had worked with the council to produced "a high quality residential scheme".

The general layout of the site will remain the same, but there has been a reduction in the size of the apartment block with the number of apartments reduced to three, from 15 previously proposed.

Following the decision Helen Spencer, executive director of growth at Great Places, said: “Foxhall Village is one of the projects that we are mostproud to have been involved with and we’re delighted that our proposals have been approved.

"This will not only secure the completion of the west site, but also provide an additional 67 much needed affordable homes in the local area.

“As a long term owner and investor in Foxhall Village we have worked with the council to overcome a huge array challenges to deliver what is a complex and difficult site but of key importance to the town.

"Great Places already owns 79 homes at Foxhall Village and alongside the council and we are committed to ensuring the long-term success of Foxhall Village as a thriving local community.

“The complexities of getting the project to this stage have been extremely challenging and we would like to acknowledge the support of the council and our consultants in developing these proposals to complete the final phase of this landmark development.”

The site was placed into the ownership of Blackpool Council in August 2021 by the administrators Price Waterhouse Cooper.

The collapse of Hollinwood Homes, which had begun construction in 2014, left a number of complex issues to be dealt with including inspection of some properties which had been partially built.

The land was assembled by the council with the help of a £2.7m government grant, with failed guesthouses demolished to make way for investment and regeneration of the area.