Planning Policy in Hyndburn
Planning policies shape how the Borough will develop in the future and are produced as part of a Local Plan for the Borough. They provide the policy framework for the long-term development of the Borough and are the basis upon which decisions on planning applications are made.
What is a Local Plan?
A local plan sets out the vision and a spatial framework for the future development of the Councils area, it addresses need and sets out opportunities in relation to a range of issues. These usually include housing, the economy, community facilities and supporting infrastructure such as transportation, schools, health facilities and open space. The plan also includes a number of detailed policies for assessing individual planning applications.
A local plan can help us to protect the natural environment, support healthy and active lifestyles, respond to climate change, protect the amenity of residents, and ensure that new development is well designed.
View the new emerging Local Plan for Hyndburn 2040: Policies and Site Allocations
View the timetable for producing the Local Plan 2040: Policies and Site Allocations
View the Development Management Development Plan Document 2010 Development Management DPD Adoption Version (text only)
View the Hyndburn Local Plan 1996 and saved policies
View the Supplementary Planning Documents that the Council produces to support the core policies of the Local Plan
New Plan-Making System
Find out about the new Plan-Making System, the Councils Notice of Intent to Plan-Make and the timetable for the new Local Plan New Plan-Making System
Current Consultations
Open Consultation
On 15th May 2026, Hyndburn Borough Council made an immediate direction under Article 4 (1) of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (‘The General Permitted Development Order’), which removes permitted development rights in parts of the Hyndburn Borough.
The Direction relates to the removal of the permitted development rights to the change of use from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouse) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) to a use falling to a use falling within Class C4 (Houses in Multiple Occupation).
The Direction covers the Wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton and St Oswalds.
To see the Direction:
A copy of the Direction and the map defining the area covered can be viewed below.
Hyndburn BC Article 4 Direction Map – May 2026
Notice (FINAL) (Newspaper & website)
Appendix 1 Evidence to Support Hyndburn Article 4 Direction
and can also be viewed at the Council’s Office (Scaitcliffe House, Ormerod Street, Accrington), and following locations during their opening hours:
- Accrington Library (St James’ Street, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 1NQ)
- Great Harwood Library (Queen Street, Great Harwood, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB6 7AL)
- Oswaldtwistle Library (Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington, BB5 3HS)
- Rishton Library (High Street, Rishton, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 4LA)
Any person wishing to make writing representations concerning the Direction must submit these during the representation period, which is from 22nd May 2026 to 3rd July 2026, by:
Email: planningpolicy@hyndburnbc.gov.uk
Post: Planning Policy Team, Hyndburn Borough Council, Scaitcliffe House, Ormerod Street, Accrington BB5 0PF
These consultations are now closed.
Article 4 HMO consultation This consultation relates to the previous Article 4 Direction which covers the other 9 Wards in the Borough – this consultation is now closed.
View the Residential Conversions and Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Guidance
View the Children’s Residential and Supported Accommodation Supplementary Planning Guidance
View the Validation Checklist
For further information contact: planningpolicy@hyndburnbc.gov.uk or call Planning Policy on 01254 388 111.