Details revealed for Hyndburn’s Huncoat relief road

Details have been revealed of the £6.8million new relief road key to one of East Lancashire’s biggest ever housing developments which will come with its own orchard.

The 1.1 kilometre highway will serve the planned £460m Huncoat Garden village which is projected to bring 1,816 new homes to Hyndburn borough.

The new single-carriageway road with a 30mph speed limit will join the Western Roundabout of the A679 Burnley Road / A56 Accrington bypass near The Griffin pub with Altham Lane.

Hyndburn Council has now published its application for planning permission from itself for the relief road, paid for out of a £30m government grant from Homes England’s Infrastructure Fund.

The proposal includes the creation of a new 0.7 acre traditional orchard along the A56 featuring a range of fruit trees with a focus on northern UK heritage varieties such as Golden Spire, Green Balsam, Puckrupt Pippin, and Perry pears, along with other species beneficial to wildlife.

The scheme is one of several measures, which include wildflower meadows, to protect local ecology and improve bio-diversity in the 122 document application.

A 102 page design and access statement reveals that the proposed new ‘Huncoat Lane’ scheme, which would take two years to build, will include:

* the new 1.1 km access road, linking the A56 Accrington Bypass and Altham Lane;

• modifications to the existing A697 Burnley Road/A56 Accrington Bypass western roundabout, adding a new arm at the southern end of the proposed development;

• a new signalised junction on Altham Lane at its northern end;

• where the proposed development meets the existing Burnley Lane, a new junction for the eastern arm while it is proposed to close the western arm and provide a pedestrian/cycle only access link;

* minimum carriageway width of 6.5 metres;

• footway/cycleway provision on the western side of the carriageway;

• footway provision on the eastern side;

• the provision of three bus stops in each direction; and

• green infrastructure and public realm improvements to create a welcoming gateway feel.

The statement says: “Huncoat Lane is proposed as a primary street which will serve as a main thoroughfare route for Huncoat Garden Village.

“The street will embrace the character of the surrounding area providing a ‘country lane’ experience, blending modern infrastructure with the rural character.

“The proposed scheme places sustainable transport at its core, featuring dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians alongside

public transport infrastructure.

“By prioritising eco-friendly travel modes, the project aligns with modern urban planning principles, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance community well-being.

“Huncoat Lane will have a designated 30mph speed limit to encourage safer and more manageable driving speeds, aligning with the anticipated pedestrian and cyclist activity.

“This measure reduces the risk of accidents, enhances road safety for all users, and contributes to a quieter, more pleasant living environment for future residents.

“Additionally, it supports smoother traffic flow, reduces the likelihood of abrupt stops or congestion, and improves the overall efficiency of the road network.”

The new road will initially have three main junctions: between Altham Lane and Huncoat Lane; between Burnley Lane and Huncoat Lane; and an upgraded Burnley Road A679 roundabout.

The plans also make provision for four more junctions to service future development parcels.

The overall Huncoat Garden Village masterplan envisages the creation over 15 years of a new village centre; an expanded primary school; additional railway station parking; 60 acres of accessible open space; new woodland; and new sports facilities.