Blackburn shoe factory units set for nod despite noise fears.

Despite concerns raised by residents of a nearby sheltered housing development for the elderly, the redevelopment of the remainder of the former Newman Footwear factory site appears to be on track.

Russell Heaton plans to build 13 job-creating industrial units on 1.41 acres of land in Garden Street, Bank Top, Blackburn.

He has previously built 30 self-contained light industrial units, a commercial building and two yards on the site of the former factory.

His proposal for 13 more units with solar panels, new storage yards, and a 2.4-metre-high fence has now been recommended for approval by councillors on the Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee, who will meet on Thursday night, subject to 27 conditions.

This is despite a 33-signature petition and letter from Hornby Court residents complaining about ‘thumping, banging, and very heavy loud vibration’ caused by a concrete plant on the site. Newman’s Footwear has been on Garden Street for over 80 years.

It was Europe’s largest slipper factory in 1920 and closed in November 1999. According to borough planning manager Gavin Prescott’s report for Thursday’s meeting, “This application is presented to the committee, given that the council previously received a petition on behalf of the ‘Residents of Hornby Court’ in June 2024.

“A covering letter was also received, expressing various concerns about the proposals and the adjacent concrete batching plant.

“On behalf of the ‘Residents of Hornby Court’, a single letter was received objecting to the application.

“The council’s development plan supports new commercial developments and associated works, as long as they constitute sustainable development.” “The application site is a piece of commercial property, the former Newman’s Shoes Factory.

“The proposed units and yard are currently for speculative use. “The site is part of a larger site with an industrial legacy. “It has had ongoing issues for several years, and any proposals here provide a welcome opportunity to improve its appearance.

“Specific concerns have been raised about the adjacent concrete batching plant and scaffolding yard. “Those concerns have been acknowledged and discussed for several years.

“That said, the construction of a row of units adjacent to Hornby Court is likely to provide a number of benefits to its occupants.

“In addition to deflecting sound and dust emissions from nearby operations, the row of units (and planting) would provide a form of screening, which can often lessen the perception of nuisances.”

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