ACCRINGTON AT THE HEART OF PENNINE LANCASHIRE

HYNDBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK ACCRINGTON AREA ACTION PLAN

PUBLICATION EDITION MARCH 2010 PAGE  // Accrington AAP PAGE  // Accrington AAP PAGE  // Accrington AAP CONTENTS

CONTENTS PART A

THE PLAN AND ITS CONTEXT

Policy Index 1.0 Introduction and Background

Plans and Figures 2.0 Strategic and Local Forward Policy Context

3.0 Characteristics and Key Issues

4.0 Vision, Objectives and Proposals

Hyndburn Borough Council Planning & Transportation Services Scaitcliffe House Ormerod Street Accrington Lancashire BB5 0PF

Tel: 01254 388111 Fax: 01254 391625 [email protected]

If you require this information in a different format, for example large print, audio or in different languages please let us know. PAGE  // Accrington AAP

PART B PART C PART D APPENDICES

POLICIES SPATIAL QUARTERS IMPLEMENTATION

5.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 Range of Uses within the SPATIAL QUARTERS AND IMPLEMENTATION AND APPENDICES Town Centre, Employment PROPOSAL SITE POLICES MONITORING FRAMEWORK Development and Housing

The Blackburn Road Quarter Delivering Accrington Appendix 1: Accrington 6.0 Town Centre Area Action Urban Design and Plan Proposal Map Environmental Quality The Arndale Quarter Strategic Business Plan

Appendix 2: Accrington Area 7.0 The Cannon Street Quarter The Town Centre Action Plan: Key Boundaries The Historic Environment Development Board

The Grange Quarter Appendix 3: Policy 8.0 Marketing Strategy ATC2: Active Shopping Transport and Access Frontages plan The Scaitcliffe Quarter Performance Indicators 9.0 Appendix 4: Regeneration The Hyndburn Road Quarter Town Centre Management Impact Measures, Implementation Plan & Phase 1 Projects 10.0 The Eastgate Quarter Infrastructure Provision and Flood Risk Appendix 5: List of Development Briefs Background Documents

Brief 1: PL2 Squared, Accrington Appendix 6: Tests of Soundness

Appendix 7: Glossary of Terms

Appendix 8: Acknowledgements PAGE  // Accrington AAP

PLANS AND FIGURES

Figure 1: AAP BoundarIies Plan Figure 27: Street Lights and Materials Figure 2: Policy Document Structure Figure 28: The Town Centre Spatial Strategy Figure 3: Planning Context – Key Designations Figure 29: Existing Town Centre Retail Circuits Figure 4: Making Hyndburn the Place to be Figure 30: Proposed Town Centre Retail Circuits Figure 5: Spatial and Regeneration Context Figure 31: Proposed Destinations and Arrivals Figure 6: Regeneration Spatial Framework Figure 32: Public Realm Strategy Figure 7: Strategic Context Plan Figure 33: Street Hierarchy Figure 8: Land Use Plan Figure 34: Route Strategy Figure 9: Urban Design Analysis Figure 35: Pedestrianisation of Blackburn Road Figure 10: Townscape Quality Figure 36: Opening up Blackburn Road Figure 11: Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area Figure 37: Design Concept for Eastgate Figure 12: The Growth of Accrington Figure 38: Design Concept for Abbey Street Gateway Town Centre Conservation Area Figure 39: Pedestrian Crossings Figure 13: Heritage Assets within Accrington Figure 40: Concept Sketch for Eagle Town Centre Conservation Area Street and Scaitcliffe Street Figure 14: Townscape Analysis of Accrington Figure 41: Design Concept for St James Street Town Centre Conservation Area Figure 42: Car Parking Provision Figure 15: Growth of Accrington Town Centre Figure 43: Accrington Town Centre Figure 16: Gateways Area Action Plan Proposals Map Figure 17: Green Spaces Figure 44: Quarters Plan Figure 18: Street Trees Figure 45: Peripheral Development Figure 19: Flooding and Watercourses Figure 46: Blackburn Road Quarter Figure 20: Roads and Parking Figure 47: Arndale Quarter Figure 21: Movement Figure 48: Cannon Street Quarter Figure 22: Coherent Streets Figure 49: The Grange Quarter Figure 23: Landmarks, Views and Vistas Figure 50: Scaitcliffe Quarter Figure 24: Edges and Barriers Figure 51: Hyndburn Road Quarter Figure 25: Surface Materials Figure 52: The East Gate Quarter Figure 26: Signage and Public Art Figure 53: PL2 Squared Project Area Boundary PAGE  // Accrington AAP

0 POLICY INDEX

Range of Uses within the Town Centre, Em- Transport and Access: ployment Development and Housing: Policy ATC15 Town Centre Road Network Policy ATC1 New and Enhanced Shopping Facilities Policy ATC16 Accessibility – Gateways & Approaches Policy ATC2 Shopping Frontages and the Use of Upper Floors Policy ATC17 Public Transport Policy ATC3 Markets and Street Stalls Policy ATC18 Pedestrian Environment Policy ATC4 Employment Development within the Town Centre Policy ATC19 Cycling/Cycle Parking Policy ATC5 Public Administration, Po- Policy ATC20 Town Centre Parking lice and Her Majesty’s Courts Service Policy ATC6 Provision of Facilities for Arts, Cul- Town Centre Management: ture, Tourism Entertainment, Leisure, Policy ATC21 Managing the Town Centre recreation, the Community, Faith and Volun- tary Sectors and Hotel Accommodation Infrastructure Provision and Flood Risk: Policy ATC7 Housing Policy ATC22 Town Centre Infrastructure Policy ATC23 Flood Risk Management Urban Design and Environmental Quality:

Policy ATC8 Higher and Further Education Quarter Areas and Proposal Site Policies: Policy ATC9 Design of the Public Realm Policy AQ1 Blackburn Road Quarter Policy ATC10 Green Infrastructure – Public Spaces/Green Policy AQ2 Arndale Quarter Policy ATC11 Design Quality in the Town Centre Policy AQ3 Cannon Street Quarter Policy ATC12 Energy Efficiency and Sus- Policy AQ4 Grange Quarter tainability in New Development Policy AQ5 Scaitcliffe Quarter Policy AQ6 Hyndburn Road Quarter The Historic Environment: Policy AQ7 Eastgate Quarter Policy ATC13 Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area Policy ATC14 Monitoring and Investment in the ATC CA PAGE  // Accrington AAP

VISION

Accrington will become a vibrant floral market town with an excellent quality of place at the heart of Pennine Lancashire PAGE  // Accrington AAP

0 FOREWORD

What sort of Town Centre do you want Accrington to be in the future? Accrington Town centre is the principle economic and cultural asset in the Borough and as with other centres we are facing major challenges and are at a crossroads.

Over the next 10-20 years we would like to see Accrington Town Centre become a distinctive, prosperous and vibrant centre recognised for the collective quality and attractiveness of its specialist retail offer, historic heritage and public realm. We would like to hear what you think about the way which we propose to realise this vision.

The Borough Council will work with public and private sector organisations and the people who live here to deliver the changes that are needed to achieve our vision. Some of the policy options that are proposed will mean difficult decisions have to be made and when considering these matters we will take into account the views of those most affected as well as addressing the needs of the Town Centre.

Accrington Town Centre has a proud heritage. The centre has fine examples of retail, civic and ecclesiastical buildings and features that were built within the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the Lancashire cotton boom reached its peek. Much of the town centre core is contained with a conservation area that includes 300 buildings. Some of the buildings are listed and nationally important, whilst many of the others are local landmarks which together help make up Accrington’s identity.

The Council is keen to encourage as many people as possible to become involved in the preparation of the Area Action Plan for the future development of Accrington Town Centre. If you think we should be taking a different approach or if you think our policy and proposals represent the right way forward we would like to know. If you are interested in being involved in planning for the future of the Borough please let us know and we will ensure that you are consulted and kept informed on what is happening in Hyndburn.

This is your opportunity to have your say on the Council’s preferred strategy for shaping and managing development in Accrington Town Centre over the next 10-20 years. The Council values your views and opinions and would like to know what you think.

BRIAN ROBERTS Deputy Leader of the Council [Community Services] PAGE 10 // Accrington AAP PAGE 11 // Accrington AAP

PART A

PART A THE PLAN AND ITS CONTEXT PAGE 12 // Accrington AAP

Figure 1: KEY BOUNDARIES

AAP Boundary Town Centre Boundary Primary Retail Secondary Retail Town Centre Conservation Area Suggested extension to Conservation AreaLeisure

PAGE 13 // Accrington AAP

PART A The Plan And Its Context 1.0 Introduction and Background 1.0

What is the Accrington Development of the Area Action Plan? Area Action Plan

1.1 The Accrington Area Action • The findings of spe- 1.5 The need to develop an sary work to help reposi- Plan [AAP] forms part of the cialist studies; AAP for the town centre tion itself within the wider emerging Local Development stems from the Accrington Northern Way and Central • Stakeholder and com- Framework [a set of plan- Town Centre Strategy [2005 Lancashire City Region. munity engagement; ning documents which will – 2008] and its six strate- eventually replace the Local • Development pres- gic objectives including: 1.7 The strategy identified the Plan] for Hyndburn Borough sures; & need to develop a Master- Council [HBC]. The AAP is plan for Accrington Town • Sustainability Appraisal • Strengthening the a formal Development Plan Centre which would provide of the likely social, Retail Position; Document [DPD] and sets economic and environ- a conceptual roadmap for Becoming a Visi- out the statutory planning mental effects of the • its regeneration and pro- tor Destination; policy for how Accrington Plan including the need vide a firm evidence base town centre will change for sustainable de- • Enhancing the Quality for future planning policy over the next 10-20 years. velopment, to protect of the Environment; direction in order for the the quality of life and centre to continue to serve 1.2 • Improving Ac- The AAP does not just ensure access for all. the changing needs of the cess, Movement focus upon setting the local community, busi- and Transport; policy framework against 1.4 The AAP addresses key nesses and visitors alike. which planning applica- issues and provides the • Promoting Invest- 1.8 tions will be assessed, but spatial framework to guide ment and Business The Council in March 2007 it will consider how the future development and Development; commissioned Urbed and regeneration of the town specialist sub-consultants improvement. It involves • Improving Educa- centre should be proactively to work through a compre- a pro-active approach to tional and Train- delivered and co-ordinated hensive conceptual master- promoting and managing ing Opportunities. by the public and private change to ensure that Ac- planing exercise to establish sectors in partnership. future regeneration and crington remains a thriving 1.6 The strategy highlighted that development potential of and sustainable town centre. Accrington Town Centre was 1.3 The direction of the AAP Accrington Town Centre. Failure to take action and to facing major challenges due has been shaped by the plan for growth will result to an increasingly competi- following factors: in stagnation and loss of tive shopping environment investment, pressure for with shopping patterns • The policy context inappropriate development changing fundamentally. [national, regional and and out-of-town develop- The increasing shift towards local planning policies]; ment. The AAP clearly iden- city regions and the impact tifies a Study Area Boundary, of out-of-town shopping • The Sustainable Com- Town Centre Boundary, the centres were also impact- munity Strategy and Primary Retail Core and the ing on traditional shopping other relevant Bor- Secondary Retail Core within centres such as Accrington. ough Strategies; [Figure the Town Centre. It was felt that the Borough 1: AAP Boundaries Plan] needed to do the neces- PAGE 14 // Accrington AAP PAGE 15 // Accrington AAP

1.0

Evidence gathering – Baseline Report

1.9 A comprehensive Baseline 1.11 Option 1: Do Minimal 1.15 Preferred Option 1.18 supporting baseline re- Report was published for The ‘Do Minimal’ option as- The four options presented ports to produce a plan- Accrington Town Centre sumed that the town centre in the Issues and Options ning policy framework in early January 2008. The would be developed with- Report, were evaluated through an Area Action report provided a starting out the beneficial guidance against the background of Plan [AAP] for Accrington point for the identification of of the masterplan. Current the consultation responses Town Centre together with key issues to be addressed planning applications and and which was appraised areas in Accrington that and the development of proposed projects that are through a Sustainability immediately adjoin it. options. The report also known to be definite devel- Appraisal [SA]. The pre- included detailed evidence opments [with or without ferred option for the town 1.19 This process has involved and assessments of the key the masterplan] included centre that emerged fol- carrying out a certain issues within the area, and within this scenario. lowing public consultation amount of re-organising contained other relevant and assessment formed of information and further plans and strategies that 1.12 Option 2: Streets the masterplan which was stages of public consulta- have informed the prepa- and Squares approved and endorsed by tion in accordance with DPD ration of this AAP includ- This option assumes the the Council in July 2008. regulations. An informal ing, a Heritage Assessment implementation of the mas- consultation on the Draft Report, Transport Assess- terplan, building upon the 1.16 The various stages lead- AAP was held through June/ ment, Economic analysis, ‘Do Minimal’ scenario with ing up to the preparation July 2009 and included pub- Property Market Report and the incorporation of an addi- of the AAP have involved lic consultation events in the Public Realm Analysis. tional number of proposals. community and stakeholder town centre and Accrington engagement throughout the College. The responses to Issues & Options Report 1.13 Option 3: Fixing the Edge process, including walk- the consultation together This option also assumes abouts, workshops with with recommendations of a 1.10 An Issues and Options regular updates from the Sustainability Appraisal [SA] report was produced that the implementation of team producing the initial review have been incor- represented the culmina- the masterplan, build- masterplan. The details porated into this Publica- tion of work on the baseline ing upon the propos- of this are set out in the tion Edition of the AAP. report and along with the als set out in Option 2. Consultation Statement two stakeholder workshops 1.14 Option 4: Weaving document which will be 1.20 Full details of the various that discussed issues and it back together produced and will accom- consultations will be set opportunities. A public pany the AAP submission. out a separate Consultation consultation on the master- This option also assumes Statement that will form a plan options for the town the implementation of Area Action Plan background document to centre was held thereaf- the masterplan, build- Informal Consultation this AAP. The Council is sat- ter in late January 2008. ing upon the propos- als set out in Option 3. isfied that the preparation of The options included: 1.17 Following completion of the AAP accords with the re- Urbed’s commission, HBC quirements of its Statement have utilised the concep- of Community Involvement. tual masterplan and the PAGE 16 // Accrington AAP

PART A The Plan And Its Context 2.0 Strategic & Local Policy Context

National Planning Policy promote the vitality and 2.1 The policy context for Council Local Plan 1996, 2.3 PPS 4 – ‘Planning for Sus- • viability of town and the AAP is provided by: the Publication Edi- tainable Economic Growth’ other centres as impor- tion Core Strategy for is the most relevant of the • National policy, as set tant places for com- Hyndburn, September national policy statements to out in Government munities. To do this, 2009, Blackburn Road this AAP. The Government’s Planning Policy State- the Government wants: Corridor Study, East overarching objective is sus- ments [PPS’s], Planning Accrington SPD and tainable economic growth. – new economic Policy Guidance Notes the Platts Lodge SPD. To help achieve sustain- growth and devel- [PPG’s] and Circulars; able economic growth, opment of main • Regional Planning Policy 2.2 This AAP accords with the Government’s objec- town centre uses as set out North West national planning policies tives for planning are to: to be focused in of England Plan Re- and is in general conformity existing centres, • build prosperous com- gional Spatial Strategy with the existing Hyndburn with the aim of munities by improving to 2021 together with Local Plan 1996, Saved offering a wide the economic perfor- Sub – Regional Strate- policies and the emerging range of services mance of cities, towns, gies, Programmes and Core Strategy for Hyndburn. to communities regions, sub-regions Agreements including Figure 2: Policy Docu- in an attractive and local areas, both the Regional Economic ment Structure identifies and safe environ- urban and rural; Strategy, Lancashire the plans and strategies ment and remedy- Economic Strategy, which provide the context • reduce the gap in eco- ing deficiencies in Elevate East Lancashire and supporting information nomic growth rates be- provision in areas Housing Market Re- that have underpinned the tween regions, promot- with poor access newal Pathfinder, LEGI AAP preparation. The plan ing regeneration and to facilities; – Local Enterprise focuses on investment and tackling deprivation; – competition be- Growth Initiative; regeneration of the town • deliver more sustainable tween retailers and centre is consistent with the • Local Plans, Strategies patterns of develop- enhanced consumer overall aims and priorities in and emerging Local ment, reduce the need choice through those plans and strategies. Development Frame- to travel, especially the provision of work Documents for by car and respond to innovative and ef- the Borough, including climate change; & the Hyndburn Borough PAGE 17 // Accrington AAP

2.0

ficient shopping, STATUTORY PLANNING HYNDBURN COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY leisure, tourism FRAMEWORK STRATEGY and local services • Sustainability Action Plan • Regional Spatial Strategy • Developed through for Hyndburn in town centres, • Central Lancashire Hyndburn’s Local Strategic • Your Place in the Future which allow genu- Sub Regional Strategy • Lancashire Environmental • Joint Lancashire Structure ine choice to meet Plan the needs of the • LCC Local Transport Plan entire community EXISTING BOROUGH WIDE [particularly socially STRATEGIES HOUSING MARKET RENEWAL excluded groups]; & • Hyndburn Sustainable • ODPM Sustainable Community Strategy 2008 – the historic, Communites Plan • Hyndburn’s Regeneration archaeological • Elevate Prospectus ACCRINGTON and Economic • Hyndburn’s Strategic TOWN CENTRE Strategy 2007-11 and architectural Development Framework STRATEGY • Hyndburn Community Safety heritage of centres • Hyndburn’s Area 2005-2008 Strategy • Hyndburn’s Housing Strategy to be conserved • Hyndburn Borough Council’s and, where ap- Corporate Plan REGIONAL & SUB REGIONAL • Hyndburn’s Community propriate, en- STRATEGIES Cohesion Plan hanced to provide • Northern Way a sense of place • North West Regional PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS and a focus for the Economic Strategy • Accrington Town Centre community and • The Lancashire Economic Strategy And Sub Regional Regeneration Board for civic activity. Action Plan 2006-09 • Ambition Lancashire • Local Area Agreement

ACCRINGTON TOWN CENTRE OBJECTIVES

How to make Accrington a first class shopping, leisure, culture and living by: • Strenghening the retail position • Improving access, movement and transport • Becoming a visitor destination • Promoting investment and business development • Enhancing the quality of the environment • Improving educational and training opportunities

Figure 2: Policy Doccument Structure PAGE 18 // Accrington AAP

2.4 It goes further to state • to encourage invest- town centres provide that Action Plans, along- ment to regenerate an attractive, accessible side other initiatives, can deprived areas, creat- and safe environment be used to actively plan ing additional employ- for businesses, shop- for growth and to manage ment opportunities and pers and residents. change or conservation. an improved physi- Town centres should con- cal environment; 2.6 The main town centre uses tinue to meet community to which the planning policy • to promote economic needs by consolidating and statement applies are retail growth of regional, building on their strengths [including warehouse clubs sub-regional and lo- and addressing key issues. and factory outlet centres]; cal economies; Plans should: provide for a leisure, entertainment facili- range of shopping, leisure • to deliver more sus- ties, and the more intensive and local services; improve tainable patterns of sport and recreation uses accessibility; and promote development, ensur- [including cinemas, res- social inclusion, economic ing that locations are taurants, drive-through growth, tourism, the ef- fully exploited through restaurants, bars and pubs, ficient use of land, high high-density, mixed- night-clubs, casinos, health quality and inclusive design, use development and and fitness centres, indoor improvements to the pub- promoting sustain- bowling centres, and bingo lic realm, open spaces, and able transport choices, halls]; offices, both com- the protection of heritage. including reducing mercial and those of public the need to travel and bodies; and arts, culture and 2.5 This complements the providing alterna- tourism [theatres, muse- Governments wider plan- tives to car use; ums, galleries and concert ning objectives set out in • and to promote high halls, hotels, and confer- other Planning Policy State- quality and inclusive de- ence facilities].In addition, ments and Guidance Notes sign, improve the qual- housing will be an important such as PPS 1 and PPG13: ity of the public realm; element in most mixed-use, multi-storey developments. • to promote social • and open spaces, pro- inclusion, ensuring tect and enhance the [Note other key PPS’s that communities have architectural and histor- and PPG’s have informed access to a range of ic heritage of centres; & the detailed policy guid- main town centre uses, provide a sense of place ance of this AAP] and that deficiencies in • and a focus for the provision in areas with community and for civic poor access to facili- activity and ensure that ties are remedied; PAGE 19 // Accrington AAP

REGIONAL LOCAL POLICY

North West of England 2.0 Plan Regional Spatial Hyndburn Sustainable Strategy to 2021 Community Strategy

2.7 The Joint Lancashire Struc- areas. In Hyndburn the key 2.10 The Sustainable Community 2.11 The Local Development ture Plan has now been town is Accrington which Strategy for Hyndburn pro- Framework for Hyndburn replaced by the NW Regional includes the townships vides a vision for the future represents a major plat- Spatial Strategy [RSS] with of Oswaldtwistle, Church, and describes what Hynd- form for the achievement of the exception of policy Clayton-le-Moors, Baxen- burn will be like in 2018. As some of the key outcomes guidance for gypsies and den and Huncoat. Overall a member of the Hyndburn for the Borough. Seven key travellers. The RSS for the there will be a focus on: Local Strategic Partnership outcomes are identified in North West England provides [LSP] the work of the Bor- the Sustainable Commu- • Efficient inte- a framework for develop- ough will align itself in a way nity Strategy and include: grated transport; ment and investment in the that helps deliver the vision. • A place with a thriving region over the next fifteen • Environmental ex- Three principles underpin local economy and sus- to twenty years. It estab- cellence; & the work of the Partnership: tainable market town; lishes a broad vision for the • Enhanced facilities and • Sustainable Growth region and its sub-regions, • A place with a bal- service provision. – Development and re- priorities for growth and anced housing market; generation that creates regeneration, and policies to 2.9 Policy W5 – Retail Develop- a viable self sustaining • A place with high achieve sustainable develop- ment recommends that plans local economy where levels of educa- ment across a wide range of and strategies should pro- strategic decisions tional attainment; topics – from jobs, hous- mote retail investment where are made considering • A place where all ing and transport to climate it assists in the regeneration social, economic and people have the op- change, waste and energy. and economic growth of environmental impacts; portunity for a healthier the North West’s town and 2.8 “Narrowing the Gap” and longer life; The Regional Spatial Strategy city centres. In considering • – Raising standards promotes an urban renais- proposals and schemes, any • A place where people across the Borough in sance with new development investment made should be are safe, confident order to reduce dispari- concentrated in the regional consistent with the scale and proud to live; towns and cities. In Lan- ties within Hyndburn and function of the centre, • A place for every- cashire these are Preston, and between Hynd- should not undermine the one which values and Blackpool, Blackburn and burn and the rest of vitality and viability of any embraces diversity; & the country. This also Burnley. Rural regeneration other centre or result in ensures that vulnerable A place that safeguards will be supported by smaller the creation of unsustain- • groups and equalities the environment. scale development in the able shopping patterns. key towns serving the rural implications are written through everything done 2.12 The over-riding principles by the partnership; & and outcomes of the Sus- tainable Community Strategy • Assessing Impact – All for Hyndburn are reflected partners will consider in the structure of the AAP. the impact of key decisions in relation to the seven key out- comes identified. PAGE 20 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 4: PLANNING CONTEXT

Industry/Employment Site Housing Site Accrington Shopping Centre Local Shopping Centre Open Space Green Belt Wildlife Corridors Motorway A Road B Roads Rail Water

PAGE 21 // Accrington AAP

Hyndburn’s Local Hyndburn Borough Development Framework Council Local Plan 1996 – Core Strategy 2.0 2.13 Hyndburn’s Local Plan was • R6 – Sale of Hot Food 2.16 A new plan called the Hyn- 2.18 which began in November dburn Local Development 2009. Strategic policies to adopted in 1996 and sets • R7 – External Appear- Framework is being prepared guide delivery of the spatial out land use policies for the ance of Retail Premises for the Borough. This will area up to 2006. Local Plan strategy will be included policies shopping policies • R8 – Development of eventually replace the Hyn- in the Core Strategy, while were saved in September Ancillary Retail Fa- dburn Borough Local Plan more detailed guidance will

cilities within Existing adopted in November 1996. 2007 [apart from policy be included in a separate Non-Retail Premises The Framework will be made R4] until progress has been Development Manage- made with the Local De- up of a number of Develop- ment DPD, also due to start 2.15 velopment Framework. It is the intention that re- ment Plan Documents [DPDs] before the end of 2010. tail/shopping policies will and the first to be produced Key Policies to be replaced be developed in part by the is the Core Strategy fol- 2.19 The Core Strategy focuses by the AAP include: AAP that will specific to Ac- lowed closely by this Area on the key issues affecting crington Town Centre and Action Plan for Accrington. the Borough over the next 2.14 • R1 – Primary Zone in part by the Development fifteen years and beyond. 2.17 for Accrington Management DPD and Site The Core Strategy sets out It encourages appropriate Allocations DPD that will the framework for planning change and deters harm- • R2 – Use Classes be Hyndburn wide and will decisions in the Borough for ful development in order to • R3 – Non Major Re- include Accrington Town at least the next 15 years. realise the vision. It address- tail Development Centre and Accrington as a The Core Strategy identi- es interlinked economic, whole. [Figure 4: Planning • R5 – Shops within fies the nature and scale of social and environmental Context – Key Designations] Class A1 Serving a housing and employment issues to produce effec- Local Community provision and the broad tive policies and achieve locations for new develop- sustained improvement. To ment; the areas for regen- do this there is close work- eration and the areas for ing with local communities protection and enhance- and partners throughout the ment. It identifies sites for plan-making and delivery. development where these Involvement in the subse- are strategic in nature and quent monitoring will also essential for the delivery of give important feedback the strategy. Other sites on the effectiveness of the will be identified in the Site strategy and its policies. Allocations DPD, work on

Figure 3: Making Hyndburn the Place to be [Source: The Sustain- able Community Strategy for Hyndburn] PAGE 22 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 5 SPATIAL & REGENERATIONAL CONTEXT

Regeneration Iniatives / Investment Areas

1. East Lancs Proposed Racecourse Development 2. Great Harwood Town Regeneration 3. Clayton Triangle 4. Altham Business Inprovement District 5. Platts Lodge 6. Foxhill Bank Nature Reserve 7. Moorhead Sports College 8. Church Oswaldtwistle Gateway 9. Oswaldtwistle Mills 10. Accrington & Rossendale College 11. Whitebirk Strategic employment site

Housing Market Renewal Boundary

Development Proposals

1. Whitebirk Proposed Shopping Centre Extension 2. Waste Transfer Station (Huncoat Power Station)

Parks

A. Memorial Park B. Lowerfold Park C. Mercer Park D. Dunkenhaigh Park E. Cut Wood Park F. Gatty Park G. Millshaw Park H. Peel Park I. Haworth Park J. Oakhill Park K. Rhyddings Park L. Bullough Park

The Huncoat Trail

PAGE 23 // Accrington AAP

Statement of Community Involvement, [SCI], September 2006 2.0 2.20 This Statement sets out 2.23 Lancashire County Council. • Encouraging enter- • Tackling worklessness how the Council will involve As a result a variety of stud- prise, creating more [through skills develop- interested parties in both ies have been undertaken new businesses and ment and more targeted making planning policy and recently to help inform the helping small, young engagement as sup- decisions on planning ap- development of policy across business to grow; port activities] to ensure plications. It aims to enable Pennine Lancashire, focus- that all parts of Pennine • Working with compa- and encourage those with ing principally on economic, Lancashire benefit from nies to help them take an interest in the future housing and connectiv- its economic growth; up new opportunities, planning of Hyndburn to ity of the sub-region. strengthen their long • Addressing image and be actively involved. It is term competitive- quality of place to make important that all involved 2.24 A Pennine Lancashire ness and develop their Pennine Lancashire a understand how the process Multi-Area Agreement knowledge assets; natural place for new will work, when and how [MAA] has also been pre- investment and a desir- they may be involved, and pared by the Pennine • Developing economic able place to live; have realistic expectations Lancashire authorities and business infrastruc- of the potential outcomes. alongside Lancashire County ture to encourage in- • Promoting links with Council. The vision of the novation, re-investment neighbouring econo- 2.21 The development of this draft MAA is to provide and new investment; mies [particularly Manchester and Pres- AAP has been in accordance • Promoting skills de- 2.25 “…..a confident, dynamic ton] which can act as with the SCI. [Note: The velopment at all lev- and growing economy, an additional employ- full Consultation Statement els – targeting those characterised by a thriving ment destination for will be available with the without level 2 quali- higher value business base, Pennine Lancashire final version of the AAP]. fications; supporting supported by a responsive residents, increasing those with intermediate education and training their access to higher Pennine Lancashire Policy qualifications in devel- system. Attracting in- paid employment; 2.22 In addition to the regional oping higher level skills; creased investment through policy framework and the encouraging the recruit- • Increasing the influ- the successful delivery of Lancashire policy frame- ment and retention of ence Pennine Lancashire transformational projects work there is an increas- graduate level workers; wields with government and increased prosperity ingly influential sub-regional and within the region; & for all. An area with fast • Tackling urban de- policy agenda. This is being and reliable transport links privation across Pen- • Re-organising delivery developed by the Pennine to employment opportuni- nine Lancashire and to enable key projects Lancashire authorities [Hyn- ties and a revitalised and promoting the high to be implemented dburn, Blackburn with Dar- diverse housing market.” quality neighbour- within a robust man- wen, Pendle, Burnley, Ribble hood environments agement regime and Valley and Rossendale] in needed to attract and to give funding bod- 2.26 In summary, the strat- partnership with Regenera- retain skilled labour; ies increased confi- egy embraces the fol- tion Pennine Lancashire and dence in the ability of lowing objectives: the area to deliver. PAGE 24 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 6 Regeneration Spatial Framework

Accrington AAP Boundary Gateway Improved Strategic Connection Green Link Railway Line Leeds Liverpool Canal Motorway Mixed Use Destinations Green Space Sports Ground College / Educational PAGE 25 // Accrington AAP

Relevant Plans, Local Enterprise Growth Programmes and Strategies Regional Economic Strategy Initiative [LEGI]

2.27 The regeneration of the 2.29 Produced by the North West ist offer. The region is truly 2.33 Hyndburn has benefited 2.0 town centre has and will Development Agency, The ‘polycentric’ with a strong from a share of £22.3 mil- be informed by other Regional Economic Strategy network of urban centres. lion of “Great Goals” LEGI policies, initiatives and 2006 sets the vision for the The setting is one of out- [Local Enterprise Growth strategies at a range of North West of a “dynamic, standing natural beauty en- Initiative] money from April spatial scales including: sustainable, international compassing areas of attrac- 2007. This has provided economy which competes tive coastline, estuary and an opportunity to address on the basis of knowledge, open countryside. One of the issues around enterprise • Regional Eco- advanced technology and distinctive benefits of this is and economic activity in nomic Strategy; excellent quality of life’. This the compact nature of many the areas most deprived • Lancashire Eco- recognises that a prior- towns which allows a high parts and complement the nomic Strategy; ity will be the regenera- level of interaction between housing market renewal • Elevate East Lancashire tion of the economy of East the countryside and urban programme around the Housing Market Re- Lancashire. The RES sets settlements, strengthening town. This joint bid with

newal Pathfinder; out three key drivers to quality of life. As such, the Blackburn with Darwen BC achieve this vision, based vision for Central Lancashire and other partners was a Integrated Economic • on the 5 themes around is the ‘City with Room to sports-led bid involving Strategy for Pen- Business, Skills, Education, Breathe’. [Figure 6: Regen- the 3 professional football nine Lancashire; People and Jobs, Infrastruc- eration Spatial Framework] clubs of Accrington Stanley

• LEGI [Local Enterprise ture and Quality of Life. FC, Burnley FC and Black- Growth Initiative]; & 2.32 This towns-in-countryside, burn Rovers FC and other Lancashire Economic nature is particularly pro- private sector agencies. • Blackburn Road Cor- Strategy nounced in East Lancashire, ridor Improvements. where the hilly backdrop of 2.34 This initiative has helped 2.30 Accrington is within the 2.28 moorland to the south and unlock the known latent Over recent years there has Central Lancashire City real upland in Bowland to entrepreneurial culture been much public sector Region. The Lancashire the north is the setting for inherent within deprived activity and investment in Economy Strategy and Sub all the settlements. Un- areas of East Lancashire, Hyndburn. Lancashire Coun- Regional Action Plan 2006- like most of the Northern stimulating and capturing ty Council and Lancashire 2009 has been published city-regions, but more like this entrepreneurial po- County Developments Ltd by the Lancashire Economic Tees Valley, Central Lan- tential. In Accrington the are key partners in deliver- Partnership in order to cashire is therefore not Enterprise Haven premises ing economic, social and shape the future of Lan- dominated by a single or are currently planned to be physical regeneration in cashire based on a com- principal core city, and does based on the upper floor the area and are involved in prehensive evidence base. not have the attributes of of the Market Hall in Ac- much partnership activity in a major city - despite its crington Town Centre. the area. [Figure 5: Spatial 2.31 The region is unique weight of population. Each and Regeneration Context] amongst contemporary has its own distinct char- city regions in the UK. The acter: the West Pennine economy is a mix of ad- towns of East Lancashire vanced manufacturing firms with their heritage of textile [the largest concentration mills and terraced streets outside the south east], an often climbing the hillsides emerging high value office above the town centre. economy and a firm tour- PAGE 26 // Accrington AAP

Elevate East Lancashire Key Studies and Housing Market Assessments Renewal Pathfinder

2.35 One of the key projects adjacent to the town cen- regeneration in a distinctive 2.40 • Employment Land within the city region tre has been explored in a environment. The area is the Study, February 2008; framework for economic recent study for the Council, largest remaining example • Strategic Housing Land growth revolves around the Elevate and Keepmoat [the of the town’s industrial Availability Assess- transformational agenda of preferred developer partner past and as such should be ment, March 2009; Pennine Lancashire, trans- for West Accrington]. The imaginatively regenerated. forming the economy and study recommends con- • Strategic Hous- housing market in East Lan- centrating the retail offer This area links the town ing Market Assess- cashire. Substantial invest- through shop front im- centre with Woodnook ment, January 2009; ment has been made and provements, reusing vacant Vale Country Park and has • Affordable Hous- future provisions planned units and upper floors, recently been invested in ing Viability Assess- through the Elevate East protecting and enhancing through the Hyndburn Gre- ment, October 2009; Lancashire Housing Mar- assets through environ- enway, a recreational cycling Green Spaces Audit, ket Renewal Programme. mental corridor improve- and walking route. To re- • September 2006; & ments and marketing and spond to developer interest 2..36 The housing market re- diversifying the economic in the area, a Supplementary • Phase 1 Strategic newal programme is based base through the key project Planning Document has been Flood Risk Assess- on 5 Area Development of a business hub. This produced and is available ment, March 2010. Framework Areas across would provide new man- on the Councils website. Hyndburn. Three of these aged workspace to serve the Planning and areas lie directly adjacent to whole of the Hyndburn area. East Accrington Development Issues the town centre, West Ac- 2.39 A new SPD/Masterplan has 2.41 Over time development in crington and Church, Peel Platts Lodge been developed for East the borough has proceeded and Barnfield and Sprin- 2.38 Another focus for physi- of Accrington focusing on in largely peripheral loca- ghill and Scaitcliffe. The cal regeneration, directly two areas; Burnley Road tions to the town centre synergies and linkages adjacent to the south east and Woodnook. Part of the with both employment and between these neighbour- of the town centre, is the purpose of the work is to housing sites being clus- hoods and the town centre Platt’s Lodge area. The area co-ordinate factors such as tered towards the M65 should be maximised to comprises approximately 16 the local economy, private corridor. These are largely assist in comprehensive hectares and includes the sector investment, funding bolted on to the existing renewal of these areas. major open space of Scait- and policy priorities within urban area, do not include cliffe Lodge and surrounding a single focused document mixed use development Blackburn Road Corridor former textile mills site of that clearly describes and and are lacking in good 2.37 The role of the Blackburn the former Woodnook Mill, articulates the opportuni- public transport links. Road Corridor [which runs Victoria Mill and Royal Mill. ties for radical change and north – south from Ac- The area is historically and investment within East 2.42 In addition the towns green crington Town Centre] in culturally significant offer- Accrington over the next spaces are also largely on the surrounding housing ing a wonderful opportunity 15 years. The SPD will be the edge of the urban area. market renewal area and for heritage-led waterfront informed by guidance, Retail parks have grown on initiatives and strategies at the edge of centre at both a range of spatial scales. PAGE 27 // Accrington AAP

2.0

2.43 Hyndburn and Eastgate Re- such as the canal, parks and Summary tail Parks. Further pressure green corridors out to the 2.46 On adoption, this AAP will for out-of-town retail is evi- countryside. There is also a become part of the De- dent at the Whitebirk Retail clear need for Council inter- velopment Plan for the Park. All this has done little vention and urgent action Borough. Once the Core to regenerate the town cen- to save many of the towns Strategy is adopted, the tre and its neighbourhoods. heritage buildings such as strategic policy framework the Conservative Club. for this AAP will comprise 2.44 The opportunity exists in national policy guidance, the new Local Development 2.45 A key issue in the future North West of England Plan Framework to create more development of the Bor- Regional Spatial Strategy to sustainable patterns of de- ough is the adjacency of the 2021 and the Core Strategy velopment, based on mixed Blackburn urban area, as together with the Site Al- uses, higher densities, over time this is becoming locations DPD and Develop- excellent design and good closer to the Hyndburn area ment Management DPD. public transport accessibil- through new development. ity located in and around the town centre and neighbour- hoods needing regenera- tion. This should enhance and unlock existing assets PAGE 28 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 7 STRATEGIC CONTEXT

Motorway Primary Route Trainline Urban Settlement Key Landscape areas

PAGE 29 // Accrington AAP

PART A The Plan And Its Context 3.0 Characteristics and Key Issues

3.0

Where is Accrington?

3.1 Accrington is on the west- 3.2 The town is well located to and out of town retailing and ern edge of the Pennine both the cities of Preston subsequent retail leakage. Hills, one of a number of and Manchester, to the west Rather than try and com- former industrial towns and south respectively, and pete with other out-of-town which contribute much to to the Yorkshire Dales and retail centres, by generic the local character of Pen- Forest of Bowland/Ribble approaches to develop- nine Lancashire [Figure 7 Valley. Skipton is 25 miles ment and design, Accrington Strategic Context Plan]. The to the north east which will emphasise its tradi- early town straddled a small is a 45 minute drive and tional character and appeal watercourse known as the Clitheroe, 9 miles to the will build on its strengths, Hyndburn or Accrington north is a 25 minute drive. there being the Market and Brook, the course of which Preston is around 30 min- its independent retailers has long been lost through utes on the train, where clustered around Warner canalisation and culvert- access to the west coast Street and Abbey Street. ing. As the town grew, it mainline is available. spread across a relatively flat bottom to the foot of 3.3 Accrington is the largest the hills, the highest local town centre in the Borough. point being Great Hameldon It has suffered from compe- to the east of Accrington. tition by competing centres PAGE 30 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 8 LANDUSE

Vacancies A1 Shopping- multiple retailers A1 Shopping- independent retailers A2 (financial and professional services banks, estate agents, betting shops etc) A3 (cafes, restaurants) A4- Drinking establishments i.e. public houses A5- Takeaways Community/Civic e.g. surgerys, health, churches, librarys Charity shops/ pound shops Multistorey car parks Residential Industry B1- Office Leisure

PAGE 31 // Accrington AAP

Land Use

3.4 Figure 8: Land Use illus- 3.7 The Arndale Centre is a 3.9 There are also no hotels in 3.11 There is no significant trates the distribution and covered shopping mall built the centre, apart from the residential use in the town type of land uses across the in the 1980s which takes a small offer in The Globe. centre, except rented flats 3.0 town centre. To an extent large area of the north of Bars, cafes and restaurants above shops along Black- this has been influenced by the centre together with its form no distinct cluster burn Road. A new residential the historic street pattern multi-storey car park. Other but are focused around the apartment block has been and plot structure of the national retailers cluster streets of Blackburn Road, completed in recent years town, as well as its topog- on the streets around the Abbey Street, Holme Street, at Scaitcliffe Lodge together raphy and watercourses, Arndale such as Union Street Church Street and Abbey with other more recent although most water- and the pedestrianised Street. Community uses in refurbishments of historic courses have unfortunately Broadway. The latest addi- the town centre are limited buildings into apartments largely been culverted. tion to the national retailer to the New Era youth centre, within the town centre. representation in the town St James Church and the 3.5 Given the size of the town is the Market Place develop- Voluntary Resource Centre 3.12 The vacancy rate in the centre it supports a broad ment which is anchored by in the Cannon Street area. centre at 2005 was around variety of uses. Clear land a Wilkinsons. This develop- 15%. Clusters of commer- use patterns are the finer ment links Broadway with 3.10 The traditional office lo- cial vacancies are within the grain of uses in the heart Peel Street and the Mar- cation is around Cannon top end of Broadway at the of town where smaller and ket. As well as the indoor Street, St James Street and junction with Whalley Road, narrower terraced proper- Market Hall and outdoor Willow Street. Here many lo- Whalley Road itself and Peel ties line the historic streets. Market on Peel Steet inde- cal firms can be found, such Street. Other notable vacant Towards the periphery of pendent retailing is mainly as solicitors and accoun- sites are the former skills the town centre are the main focused on the streets of tants. Commonly 2 terraces centre site, the fire station concentrations of larger Blackburn Road, Church have been combined to form complex on Manchester footprint retail develop- Street, Whalley Road, Abbey larger premises. More recent Road, the Conservative Club, ments. Pockets of terraced Street and Warner Street. office additions are within former Sunday School and housing permeate the outer the Globe Centre and The Barnes Furniture Store. edge of the town centre, 3.8 Culture and leisure uses are Tannery on Eastgate. There in some cases the start of limited to the edge of town is very little purpose built long sloping and uninter- style Vue Cinema, Superbowl modern office accommoda- rupted terraces extending and Mcdonalds next to the tion. Industrial uses com- outwards from the town. Viaduct Roundabout. With prise mainly long estab- the exception of a couple of lished manufacturing and 3.6 In terms of retail the mul- clubs in the Warner Street engineering firms mainly in tiple retailers are mostly area such as The Attic, there The Grange area and to the located in the two retail are no significant music south of Hyndburn Road. parks off Eastgate and Hyn- venues, theatre, art or cin- dburn Road and within and emas in the town centre. around Broadway and the Arndale Shopping Centre. PAGE 32 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 9 URBAN DESIGN ANALYSIS

Poorly defined routes Strong well defined streets Positive Landmarks Coherant attractive Townscape Poor spatial definition

PAGE 33 // Accrington AAP

Urban Form

3.16 3.13 High land to the east and In Accrington there are a study area, large expanses 3.21 Inside the fractured edge a west is a dominant physi- series of grid-irons streets of undefined space charac- third distinct pattern is visi- cal feature of the town. The that radiate out from the terise the entire town centre ble, at the centre of the town 3.0 town centre in the valley edge of the town centre, edge, with the built form where a fine grained urban bottom provides the meeting the long terraced streets disappearing altogether in structure exists. A triangular place for railways and roads. and alleys that make up places, notably on the north core of clearly delineated most of Accrington’s inner side around Hyndburn Road. building blocks form a net- 3.14 The plan at Figure 9: Ur- neighbourhoods. The steep work of streets and spaces. ban Design Analysis high- topography and hilly nature 3.19 Spatial definition is also The strong linear form of lights the buildings of the of the towns surrounding weak along Eastgate and Blackburn Road can be seen town, and nothing else. neighbourhoods did not south of Paradise Street/ bisecting this triangle, with This shows the urban prevent the imposition of the Oak Street. What build- the similarly clear line of structure of the place, the Victorian ‘grid’ plan com- ings there are tend to be Abbey Street on the eastern pattern of development posed of terrace houses and large blocks set in wide side. These two streets can blocks, streets and build- a rectangular street pattern. spaces rather than defin- be seen leading beyond the ings that make up the place. ing street frontages. central core through the 3.17 These grid forms are a outer grid-iron, across the 3.15 A tight urban grain is the fundamentally strong part of 3.20 To have such fragmented fractured town centre edge. time-honoured way of Accrington’s urban fab- forms ringing the town achieving successful places ric. Continuous frontages centre is a weakness of the 3.22 There is a fine urban grain and efficient connections. and coherent relationships town’s physical structure. within this core, the excep- A loose or coarse grain is of scale between build- Urban spaces not enclosed tion being the Arndale/ indicative of stand alone ing and street space cre- by clear building frontages Broadway shopping mall, buildings in space, with dead ate very well connected, tend to be uncomfortable which stands out as the frontages. This type of grain ‘permeable’ environments, places for people, lacking in largest building block in the rarely creates attractive and easy to navigate on foot. the natural sense of security central area. The ‘readibility’ legible streets and spaces. provided by active edges or legibility of Accrington’s 3.18 Within the town centre, that offer ‘eyes and ears to core town centre struc- the pattern is different. In the street’. They also give ture is fundamentally quite notable contrast to the tight poor definition to the street strong. One of the virtues grid-iron forms beyond the and create dead frontages. of the town is its compact- ness and walkability. PAGE 34 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 10 TOWNSCAPE QUALITY

Very positive contribution- Positive contribution Neutral Negative impact Very negative impact

PAGE 35 // Accrington AAP

Townscape Quality

3.33 Buildings within the town 3.36 Constructed during the constructed with little regard 3.40 The finish of gritstone var- centre were reviewed to 1970s this three storey to the scale, massing or ies with building function: assess their contribution to building, characterised by form of the grade II* build- public, civic and ecclesias- 3.0 townscape quality [Figure an unsympathetic concrete ing to which it is attached. tical buildings were typi- 10: Townscape Quality]. New tiled and yellow façade, is The former Barnes furniture cally constructed of ashlared development constructed located immediately adja- store, located at the junction masonry, whilst residential with little regard to the cent to 32 Blackburn Road of Church Street and Cannon buildings were constructed scale, massing or form of and within close proxim- Street immediately beyond using roughly hewn blocks. existing buildings can have ity to the town’s grade II the southern boundary, is a significant impact on the listed Market Hall, both of considered to undermine 3.41 A notable exception within visual and physical character which are considered to be the visual quality of this part the conservation area is the of the area. In general there of some architectural merit. of the conservation area. Warner Street entrance to the exists a strong townscape Constructed during the late Arcade which was built in around Blackburn Road, 3.37 However, the Telephone twentieth century, again with 1880 of red brick with white Church Street, Warner Street Exchange appears to have seemingly little or no regard terracotta dressings, whilst and Cannon Street areas. been constructed within little to its historic or architectural beyond the boundary the Weaker areas of townscape or no regard to its historic or context, this building domi- Post Office on Abbey Street are largely confined to the architectural context and as nates the view of Church of is constructed of red brick periphery of the town centre. such is considered to have St James’ from Grange Lane. and detailed in sandstone. a serious negative impact 3.34 However a number of upon the visual quality of Materials 3.42 Despite more than a cen- buildings within and im- the Blackburn Road/Peel tury of industrial pollution 3.39 Although Accrington is mediately adjacent to the Street/Church Street junc- the conservation area show famed for the production Accrington Town Centre tion. Again located beyond remarkably little sign of of dense red bricks known Conservation Area do not the boundary, 2 – 16 Broad- erosion. Indeed it was the as ‘Accrington Bloods’, possess sufficient archi- way also adversely affects gritstone’s hard-wearing the town is notable for its tectural detailing/interest the visual quality and char- nature, its abundance and relative lack of brick-built to be regarded as making acter of Accrington Town its versatility that originally structures. The majority of a positive contribution to Centre Conservation Area. made it the preferred choice buildings within the con- the character of the area. for building construc- servation area were tradi- 3.38 Constructed as an exten- tion within the town. Roofs tionally constructed from 3.35 For example, although sion to the Town Hall during within the town were, at locally quarried Carbonifer- located beyond the bound- the 1960s, this three storey least traditionally, covered ous gritstone, a sedimen- ary, the Telephone Exchange building is characterised in gritstone slabs; however tary rock that is composed between Bank, Bridge and by alternant white and blue the majority of buildings of coarse sand grains with Infant Streets is highly horizontal banding. Whilst within the conservation are inclusions of small stones. visible from the north- the juxtaposition of old roofed in blue-grey Welsh ern part of the Conserva- and new can sometimes be slate or lighter and less tion Area and does little positive, in this case the expensive substitutes. to enhance its character. extension was seemingly PAGE 36 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 11 Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area Town Centre Conservation Area Conservation Area Boundary extension

FIGURE 12 The Growth of Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area

Town Centre Conservation Area Conservation Area Boundary extension Character Area 1- Cannon Street Character Area 2 - Warner Street Pre 1848 18-49-1893 1894-1911 1912-1931 1932-1958 1959-1965 1966-2007 PAGE 37 // Accrington AAP

Heritage value

3.43 There are two conserva- [Figure 12: The Growth on Cannon Street and the tion Area reveals that this tion areas within the town’s of Accrington Town Cen- former Liberal Club on Eagle Conservation Area is far urban area. Accrington tre Conservation Area] Street, a number of which less developed, a feature 3.0 Town Centre Conservation are grade II listed. [Figure that can be attributed to the Area lies within the centre 3.46 The western boundary fol- 13: Heritage Assets within location of two large open of the defined masterplan lows the rear plots of build- Accrington own Centre] spaces within its boundaries. study area, whilst Christ ings fronting the western Church Conservation Area side of Abbey Street, whilst 3.48 Terraced housing and small 3.50 Within the masterplan study is located to the southeast the southern boundary is independent retail and area there are total of eigh- of the town centre and as formed by the rear of prop- commercial properties form teen statutory listed build- such only its most north- erties on the southern side Warner Street and Ab- ings, of which fourteen are ern section falls within the of Warner Street and Cannon bey Street to the southeast within the Accrington Town study area boundary. [Figure Street and by the junction of the Conservation Area, Centre Conservation Area, 11: Accrington Town Cen- of Paradise Street with Eagle whilst the grade II listed two are located within the tre Conservation Area] Street. Varied topography is Victorian Arcade and Warner northern tip of the Christ evident within the conserva- Public House are located at Church Conservation Area, Accrington Town Centre tion area, for example Abbey the western end of Warner whilst an additional two are Conservation Area Street located to the east Street, near its junction with located immediately beyond of the area sits on slightly Church Street. In addition their boundaries. In paral- 3.44 Accrington Town Cen- elevated ground and there- to the listed buildings, a lel with the masterplan a tre Conservation Area was fore permits sloping views number of buildings within Conservation Area Char- designated in 1976 and down Warner Street towards the conservation area are acter Appraisal, Conserva- extended in 1979 and now Church Street which follows unlisted, yet are historically tion Management Plan and incorporates much of Ac- the line of the valley bottom. and/or architecturally signif- Heritage Assessment and crington’s civic centre. The icant. [Figure 14: Townscape Future Strategy have been Conservation Area is gener- 3.47 There are approximately Analysis of Accrington Town produced. These studies ally linear in form and is ar- three hundred buildings Centre Conservation Area] have informed the master- ranged around the east-west within the Conservation plan. The character appraisal axes of Blackburn Road and Area. Blackburn Road is Christ Church identifies those buildings Cannon and Warner Street. dominated by service and Conservation Area and features that contribute municipal uses, includ- towards the area’s special 3.45 The eastern boundary of the 3.49 Christ Church Conservation ing numerous banks and architectural and historic conservation area is formed Area was designated in 1976 Accrington town and mar- interest, and hence also by the railway viaduct that and extended in 1979. The ket halls, whilst the Can- to the central section of carries the East Lancashire Conservation Area is prin- non Street area includes the masterplan study area. Line between Preston and cipally comprised of pre- a number of major civic [Figure 15: Growth of Ac- Colne and by Eagle Street, 1850 urban development and ecclesiastical build- crington Town Centre] whilst the northern bound- with some later nineteenth ings, including Carnegie ary is formed by the rear of century villa development. A Public Library, St James’ properties on the northern comparison with Accrington Church, the Baptist church side of Blackburn Road. Town Centre Conserva- PAGE 38 // Accrington AAP

Listed Buildings/Features A. Accrington Town Hall, Blackburn Road B. Market Hall, Blackburn Road C. Church of St James, St James’ Street D. Monument to Adam Westwell, West of Church of St James E. Sundial, Southwest of Church of St James F. Carnegie Public Library, St James’ Street G. Mechanics Institution, Willow Street H. Baptist Church, Cannon Street I. Accrington Conservative Club, Cannon Street J. Former Manchester & Liverpool Bank 20 Cannon Street K. 21 Cannon Street L. Railway Viaduct, Blackburn Road M. The Post Office Arcade, Warner Street N. Warner Arms, 53-57 Warner Street

Notable Unlisted Buildings/Features 1. Accrington Town Hall, Blackburn Road 2. Market Hall, Blackburn Road 3. Church of St James, St James’ Street 4. Monument to Adam Westwell, West of 5. Church of St James 6. Sundial, Southwest of Church of St James 7. Carnegie Public Library, St James’ Street 8. Mechanics Institution, Willow Street 9. Baptist Church, Cannon Street FIGURE 13 10. Accrington Conservative Club, Cannon Street HERITAGE ASSETS WITHIN ACCRINGTON 11. Former Manchester & Liverpool Bank, 20 TOWN CENTRE CONSERVATION AREA 12. Cannon Street 13. 21 Cannon Street Town Centre Conservation Area 14. Railway Viaduct, Blackburn Road Conservation Area Boundary Extension 15. The Post Office Arcade, Warner Street Character Area 1: Cannon Street 16. Warner Arms, 53-57 Warner Street Character Area 2: Warner Street

Statutory Listed Building/Feature (Grade I) Statutory Listed Builing/Feature (Grade II*) Statutory Listed Building/Feature (Grade II) Notable Unlisted Building/Feature Surviving Historic Surface Surviving Historic Means of Enclosure

Course of culverted & canalised watercourse Course of turnpike road PAGE 39 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 14 TOWNSCAPE ANALYSIS OF ACCRINGTON TOWN CENTRE CONSERVATION AREA

Town Centre Conservation Area Accrington Town Hall, Blackburn Road Conservation Area Boundary Extension Market Hall, Blackburn Road Character Area 1: Cannon Street Church of St James, St James’ Street Character Area 2: Warner Street Monument to Adam Westwell, West of Extremely Positive Townscape Merit Church of St James Positive Townscape Merit Sundial, Southwest of Church of St James Neutral Townscape Merit 3.0 Carnegie Public Library, St James’ Street Negative Townscape Merit Mechanics Institution, Willow Street Extremely Negative Townscpae Merit Baptist Church, Cannon Street Important Open Space Accrington Conservative Club, Cannon Street Small Front Gardes Former Manchester & Liverpool Bank Trees of Townscape Importance 20 Cannon Street Key Landmark 21 Cannon Street Key Vista Railway Viaduct, Blackburn Road Key View The Post Office Arcade, Warner Street

Warner Arms, 53-57 Warner Street Key Gateway

FIGURE 15 GROWTH OF ACCRINGTON TOWN CENTRE

xxx PAGE 40 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 16 GATEWAYS

Approach to gateway Definition of gateway Improved pedestrian environment and crossing point

PAGE 41 // Accrington AAP

Gateways and Approaches

3.51 The quality of approaches Fire-Station/Police Station/ disappointing and confusing gate – the town’s main retail and ‘gateways’ or ar- Magistrates complex, and gateway. Despite culminat- area around Broadway is rival points to Accrington providing a very poor front ing in the viaduct, this is visible, but the traffic infra- 3.0 varies, according to the door to the town centre. probably the worst approach structure bars access to the route taken. In summary, to Accrington, at the same town centre, sending visitors 3.54 the main approach cor- From the west, along Black- time as being its busiest. around and away instead. ridors, with the exception burn Road, the impression of Hyndburn Road, have a given is gradually improv- 3.58 From the north, the Whalley 3.61 By rail, the approach to strong underlying town- ing. Regeneration along this Road, historically a con- the town from the east is scape, although condition is characterful but run-down tinuation of the Manches- through fine Pennine coun- a concern along Blackburn corridor is underway. ter Road, is almost equally tryside, the line arriving in Road. However, each of the splendid. The ground of Accrington in a dramatic 3.55 gateways as these corridors On reaching the town centre, the town’s famous football curved sweep that takes it reach the town centre are the Blackburn Road ap- club, Accrington Stanley, above the roof tops across in need of improvement. proach offers good views is adjacent to this route, the high viaduct. This offers of the Viaduct and, for and just visible from it. superlative views across the 3.52 From the south, the Man- traffic continuing into the town to the hills beyond. chester Road route is fun- heart, a lively view along 3.59 The gateway to the centre There is an excellent vista damentally a high quality the central tree lined shop- is preceded by some fine of the civic and retail core approach. This well com- ping section into the Town views and then marked by of the town from the viaduct posed space is ‘closed’ by Hall and Market area. the arches of the viaduct, looking east along Black- the architecturally unified which the road runs be- burn Road to the Town Hall 3.56 collection of elegant 1930s Unfortunately, for traffic neath, lined each side at this area. [Figure 16: Gateways] Council houses and stream- staying on the main through point by well-proportioned 3.62 lined civic buildings on route, this urban quality is stone terraces. It is only at The station is a shadow of the triangular site formed shattered by the poorly con- the final interface with the its former self, the crude by the junction, the whole figured environment around town centre that the ur- waiting and ticketing fa- ensemble punctuated by the the roundabout, blighted by ban form breaks down and cilities providing the most tower of the Fire Station. heavy traffic infrastructure the impression becomes rudimentary of gateways. and characterless ‘big shed’ negative, at junction with Significantly there are plans 3.53 However, its worst aspect is development forms, includ- the poorly configured ring for a better quality replace- at the point of arrival itself, ing the ugly back of the Arn- road. Here, visitors are ment; this should aim to the gateway to the town dale car-park and the frag- encouraged to by-pass the complement the array of centre at Spring Gardens. mented Eastgate corridor. town centre of Accring- quality buildings in the The effect of the triangular ton, rather than invited Conservation Area along the 3.57 space and civic site col- From the north-west, the into experience its offer. east side of Eagle Street. lapses at the next junction, Hyndburn Road beyond From the west, the approach 3.60 where the prominent site of the fine viaduct, eye-sores From the east, Burnley by rail is much poorer. The the old Church and School like the Multi-storey, the Road is the last of the three town presents only a clut- has been left underused former Kwik Save and the turnpike roads, opened in ter of back-land sites, low and unsightly, undermin- back of Eastgate are the 1835. The route is clear and rise industrial sheds and ing the superb quality first elements presented to well-defined by development unsightly rear elevations. of the Bank Terrace and the visitor, making this a until the junction with East- PAGE 42 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 17 GREEN SPACES

Recreation Ground Green Corridor Road/Railside Verge Churchyard / Gardens Water Civic / Market

PAGE 43 // Accrington AAP

Green Space Analysis

3.63 3.65 An audit was taken of the Few streets are characterized existing open space and by any street tree plant- 3.0 illustrated in Figure 17: ing except Avenue Parade Green Spaces. The exist- where the tree planting ing open space is largely along the avenue connects disconnected. Platts Lodge the viewer, of the street, manages some connectiv- with the vista and the trees ity and is more coherent beyond the Coppice. This as the water flow planting feature strengthens the and footpaths are linked. already strong visual nature There are many underused of the street, being a long Churchyard / Gar- green spaces, especially avenue leading the eye up in the Grange Area of the the slope of the hill to the town whilst in Scaitcliffe the distant Coppice at the crest. dedicated footpath and cycle In most areas the trees have route takes full advantage been planted as screen. of the resource. The water- ways are generally hidden from view or underused. 3.64

The tree planting shown at Figure 18: Street Trees is Civic / Market in context of open spaces to show how the two are connected. Connectivity can enhance biodiversity. The tree and screen plant- ing does little to connect the dispersed open spaces.

Green Corridor, Water, Hyndburn Road PAGE 44 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 18 STREET TREES

Screen Planting

Street Tree Planting PAGE 45 // Accrington AAP

Key Public Realm Issues

3.66 • develop signage strat- 3.69 Market/ Abbey Street • encourage restoration General egy to increase leg- of landmark build- • make a place at the ibility, improve way- ings to form a gate- • increase permeabil- heart of Accrington 3.0 finding, and reveal way from the west; ity of town centre by associated with the Accrington’s fine assets; creating linkages across Market and Town Hall; 3.72 Cannon Street edges and barriers; 3.67 Hyndburn Road • improve qual- • improve quality and • improve leg- ity and consistency greater focus on consistency of ma- ibility for vehicles • of streetscape ma- viaduct as gate- terials especially in and pedestrians; terials especially in way and landmark; heritage areas; heritage areas; • define gateways at Ab- • greater use of wa- • make St James Church- bey Street / Eastgate • improve role and ter, as landmark and yard a special green junction, Whalley Road function of Blackburn for recreation; space at the heart / Eastgate junction; Road as high street; of Accrington, and • exploit opportunity • encourage drivers to improve access; for linear green space 3.70 Town Centre access the town cen- along waterways; • improve pedestrian tre by making clear, • improve linkage of linkages along St James well signed routes; • increase permeabil- Avenue Parade to Street and Church ity to town centre by Peel Park and Cop- • make Accrington more Street with Blackburn improving pedestrian pice by improving distinctive by mak- Road, Warner Street crossing over Hynd- pedestrian crossings; ing better use of its and Victorian Arcade ; burn Road and across fine waterside, views • make new “gateway” roundabout Eastgate; and heritage assets; squares at Abbey Street 3.73 Scaitcliffe • create attractive ap- and Burnley Road; • increase distinctive- make a new square proach ‘ boulevard’ • ness of streetscape by to define gate- emphasising the ar- 3.71 The Grange ensuring materials are way/ arrival point at rival into Accrington; used which respect the • create a distinc- the train station; character of its sur- tive “green” quar- 3.68 Arndale improve pedestrian rounding district ter which links with • links from Platts Lodge • improve frontage Scaitcliffe Lodge; • increase perception of to town centre and of Arndale car park Accrington as a “green • make greater use of Hyndburn greenway; facing viaduct; town” by opening views water, as landmark • make greater use of to hillsides and increas- • improve quality and and for recreation; water, as landmark ing tree planting in consistency of ma- • exploit opportu- and for recreation; & the terrace districts; terials in streets nity for green space around Arndale; • improve pedestrian and • develop strategy for along waterways; cyclist environment introduction of public • improve quality of ma- along Eagle Street. art to increase distinc- terials, and consistency; tiveness and legibility; PAGE 46 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 19 FLOODING & WATERCOURSES

Flood Zone 3 Flood Zone 2 Indicative Watercourses As of February 2010 (Environment Agency Data) PAGE 47 // Accrington AAP

Flooding

3.76 3.74 New development will need Further flood modelling will to avoid increasing flood be required to identify the risk. Parts of the town centre likely frequency and impact 3.0 are within flood Zone 3 and of flooding within the town Flood Zone 2 on the Envi- centre. Following the guid- ronment Agency floodmap. ance in PPS 25, Development Flood risk is an issue within & Flood Risk, the planning the town centre. There are authority will endeavour to no formal flood defences direct development to areas maintained by the Environ- of least risk by applying ment Agency within the the sequential approach. masterplan area. [Figure 19: 3.77 Flooding and Watercourses] Hyndburn Borough Coun- cil has undertaking a 3.75 Several culverted water- Phase 1 Strategic Flood courses are within the town Risk Assessment [SFRA] centre including the River and are due to commis- Hyndburn, Woodnook Wa- sion Consultants as and ter, Pleck Brook and Broad when required to complete Oak Water. These are all further investigatory work. designated as main river watercourses, whereby writ- ten consent is required by the Environment Agency for any proposed works or structures in, under over or within 8 metres of the top of the bank/edge of the retaining wall of a main river watercourse. PAGE 48 // Accrington AAP

ROADS AND PARKING

Principal Distributor Roads Secondary Distributor Roads Pedestrianised Area Car Park Unrestricted car park 3 hr restricted car park

PAGE 49 // Accrington AAP

Transport Analysis

3.78 The baseline assessment 3.79 However, a number of • Significant clusters of • The railway station of transportation in the specific areas for im- road accidents occur in - current levels of rail study area identifies Ac- provement are identi- a number of locations, use are well below the 3.0 crington town centre with fied, most particularly: particularly on Eastgate, regional and national many positive transport Blackburn Road and the averages, which is very attributes, in particular: viaduct roundabout. disappointing for a • Significant pedestrian In each of these three town centre location severance caused by cases, it is also no- with a rail station. The • Relatively low levels of the major roads around table that pedestrians proposed refurbish- town centre congestion the town centre. This have frequently been ment of the railway compared with other is particularly the case involved in accidents; station should assist in Lancashire towns; with regard to Eastgate; developing rail patron- • Improvements in bus The town centre en- • Parking - there is a age and improving • priority - these have vironment is, in many perception of a lack the accessibility of the the potential to be places, favourable for of parking opportuni- town centre. [Figure 20: provided through walking. In particular, ties close to the main Roads and Parking] East Lancashire Rapid traffic levels are rela- town centre retail areas, Transit, and will need tively low, there are a in particular the tra- to be well integrated number of pedestri- ditional market hall. with any new bus sta- anised streets, and the Issues of inconsistency tion which is provided; historic buildings within of on-street parking the town centre create restrictions have been • Lack of provision for a pleasant environ- identified. This has now cyclists within the ment for the pedes- been addressed by the town centre - levels of trian in many areas; extension of parking cycling in Accrington times to 2 and 3 hours. are currently very low, • Good levels of walk- A shortage of off-street particularly when com- ing demonstrated long stay car parking pared with the relatively by census data, par- has also been identified; large number of people ticularly amongst who walk to work in the those who work in • The bus station - de- town centre. The base- the town centre; & spite its accessible line work has revealed location in the heart • Good local bus a lack of good quality of the town centre is connections. provision for cyclists seen as out of date, within the town centre and a source of signifi- area and Accrington as cant pedestrian sever- a whole. In the town ance. Relocation of the centre there is particu- bus station should be larly a lack of acces- a major factor in the sible, high quality cycle creation of the town parking facilities in centre masterplan; appropriate locations; & PAGE 50 // Accrington AAP

FIGURE 21 MOVEMENT

Active Frontages Principal Movement Attractor Movement Attractor Car Parks Mass Transport Interchanges Principal Walking Routes Secondary Walking Routes PAGE 51 // Accrington AAP

Movement – Generators/ Attractors/ Pedestrian Routes

3.80 The main movement routes Coherent Streets 3.83 Areas mostly of low co- Landmarks are a reflection of the loca- herence are found in the 3.81 The most coherent streets 3.85 Landmarks are those sig- tions of the movement south and south west of are found to be those in nificant structures which 3.0 attractors, mainly shops, the town centre. This is the areas adjacent to the stand out from the back- and the movement genera- largely due to the pres- church, and lying next to ground streetscape, and tors, mainly car parks, public ence of a variety of build- the main shopping cen- which we use as visual transport interchanges, and ings and sizes and gaps. tre, and the stone terrace cues for navigation. large employment centres. avenues to the peripher- Other movement attrac- 3.84 The incoherent streets are ies of the town centre. 3.86 Accrington is surrounded tors are the active front- found in the periphery of by hills, whose summits, ages, these are groundfloor the town centre, where 3.82 The majority of streets found crags and woodlands form building facades which bring large gaps have been cre- in the shopping centre and distinctive elements visible the activity of the building ated to make way for the core of the town centre are from the town centre. Within out on to the street. This ring road or a single large mostly medium coherence. the town there are signifi- can be in the form of shop building and car parking Many of the streets have cant landmarks, including windows, pavement cafes dominates the street. [Fig- coherent lengths but may the viaduct and several or visible reception/ticket ure 22: Coherent Streets] contain distinctive larger prominent mini-towers. areas. [Figure 21: Movement] buildings ad open spaces.

View up Avenue Parade. Viaduct Roundabout