Planning authority
Rossendale Borough Council
Adopted plan 4.8 years old; plan in preparation: getting started; HDT 96%.
Adopted plan
| Plan | Rossendale Local Plan 2019 to 2036 |
| Adopted | 15 December 2021 |
| Age | 4.8 years |
| Plan period | 2019–2036 |
| Housing requirement | 3,191 homes |
| Council's page | The adopted plan |
Plan in preparation
| Plan | Rossendale Local Plan |
| Stage | Getting started |
| Latest event | Call for sites started, 30 September 2026 |
| Next dated event | Gateway 1 self assessment, 30 October 2026 |
From the national planning data platform, which can lag behind the council. Known gaps
Housing Delivery Test
| Measurement | 96% (2025) |
Applications
| Period | July 2025 to June 2026 |
| Received | 252 |
| Decided | 242 |
| Granted | 208 (86%; England 87%) |
| Refused | 34 |
| Major applications decided | 11, of which 10 granted |
| Quarter | Received | Decided | Granted | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July to September 2025 | 80 | 62 | 58 | 4 |
| October to December 2025 | 50 | 58 | 47 | 11 |
| January to March 2026 | 60 | 58 | 47 | 11 |
| April to June 2026 | 62 | 64 | 56 | 8 |
Appeals
| Decided | 1 September 2021 to 28 August 2026 |
| Planning appeals | 83: 26 allowed, 0 split, 57 dismissed |
| Householder appeals | 32: 12 allowed, 0 split, 20 dismissed |
| Allowed in full or in part | 33% (England 32%) |
Latest planning appeals
| Decided | Site | Development | Procedure | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 August 2026 | Adullam Cave Chapel, Chapel Street, Haslingden, BB4 5QR Application 2025/0281 | Change of use | Written Representations | Dismissed |
| 11 August 2026 | Slackhead farm, Roundhill Lane, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 5TY Application 2025/0418 | Other minor developments, 2 homes | Written Representations | Allowed |
| 11 August 2026 | Bay Willow Stables, Bacup Old Road, Bacup, Lancs, OL13 8RX Application 2025/0321 | Minor Dwellings, 1 home | Written Representations | Dismissed |
| 10 August 2026 | Land adjacent to 3 Goodshaw Lane & Water Street, Crawshawbooth, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB48AS Application 2024/0492 | Minor Dwellings, 3 homes | Written Representations | Dismissed |
| 31 March 2026 | Slackhead farm, Roundhill Lane, Haslingden, BB4 5TY Application 2025/0358 | Minor Dwellings, 1 home | Written Representations | Allowed |
| 31 March 2026 | LAND AT SLACK HEAD FARM, ROUNDHILL LANE, HASLINGDEN, BB4 5TY Application 2025/0357 | Minor Dwellings, 4 homes | Written Representations | Allowed |
| 13 October 2025 | Coldwells Cottage , Roundhill Road , Rossendale , Lancashire , BB4 5TU Application 2024/0452 | Minor Dwellings | Written Representations | Dismissed |
| 8 October 2025 | Land opposite the Coach House, Broadclough, Bacup, Lancs, OL13 8PA Application 2025/0463 | Minor Dwellings, 1 home | Written Representations | Dismissed |
| 8 October 2025 | Land opposite the Coach House, Broadclough, Bacup, Lancs, OL13 8PA Application 2024/0049 | Other minor developments | Written Representations | Dismissed |
| 18 August 2025 | 12 Milne Street, Irewell Vale Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, BL0 0QP Application 2024/0319 | Change of use | Written Representations | Dismissed |
Each outcome links to the case on the Planning Inspectorate's site, where the decision letter is published.
Changes recorded
- 16 October 2026 New dates in plans in preparation: Call for sites started, 2026-09-30