BURNLEY Council has signed a 10 year deal to provide land to a housing developer in return for a cut of the sale profits.

 

Town Hall bosses have signed up to the joint venture with Barnfield Investment Properties in a hope to boost the borough’s housing market.

 

Under the agreement the council will provide its own land and the developer will fund and build houses.

 

Any profits, over a set limit, would then be divided in half between the council and the company.

 

A similar partnership was used between the two parties to bring about the redevelopment of the Weavers' Triangle project.

 

But opposition leaders questioned why 'valuable land was being given away' to multi-millionaire developers.

 

It is hoped the arrangement will help fulfill the housebuilding needs in the borough which were detailed in the local plan.

 

The plan identifies sites for the creation of 2,483 homes in Burnley, Padiham and Hapton by 2032.

 

Burnley opposition leader and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Gordon Birtwistle, said: “I’m stunned that while putting up council tax and complaining about lack of funds the Labour leaders are giving away these very valuable land assets to multi-millionaire property developers.

 

“Many of the main sites for development such as the largest one at the school sites on Kiddrow Lane aren’t even owned by the council.”

 

Fellow Lib Dem councillor Charlie Briggs, who represents Gannow, said: “We’ve had a productive relationship with Barnfield on other projects in the past so they have good track record.

 

“I’d agree that building on brown field sites is fine such as the ones on Gannow Lane but it’s the ones that are on potential flood plains and green fields which are going to be the subject of much opposition.”

 

Cllr John Harbour, Burnley Council's executive member for housing, said residents' views would be taken into account before any building got started.

 

He said: “This is part of our overall housing strategy to encourage new homes to be built in our borough.

 

“As always, residents’ views will be taken into account before any building goes ahead, as part of the usual planning permission process.

 

“The partnership will give the council greater control than normal over the type of homes being built on key sites.

 

"This means we can ensure a wider range of different types and sizes of houses, offering a wider choice for home-buyers.

 

“By going into partnership with a private developer we share the load and can tap into its expertise and experience."

 

Developments with firms like Keepmoat and Gleeson Homes will not be affected.

 

Gareth Smith, project director at Barnfield Construction, said the deal will help give homebuyers what they want.

 

He said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the housing delivery partner for Burnley Council.

 

"The ability to work with a partner to drive and understand better the requirements of the homeowners will be key to the success of this partnership and by having this ability we will be better suited to delivering on the needs of the area.”

 

The developer was chosen after a procurement process that saw 14 companies initially express an interest.

 

Liberata Architects will be Barnfield Construction’s architectural services partner.

 

This partnership has designed and delivered affordable housing in nearby Pendle.