Consultation on the updated Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for Alterations and Extensions to Residential Properties
The Council is undertaking a public consultation on an updated supplementary planning document (SPD) which will be used to help determine planning applications for alterations and extensions to residential properties. The SPD provides more detailed guidance to the adopted Rossendale Local Plan 2019 to 2036 Policy HS9: House Extensions.
The SPD will replace the previous version, which was adopted by Rossendale Borough Council on 18th June 2008 and it has been updated following changes to national and local planning policy. It is aimed at applicants considering domestic extensions and other alterations, their architects/designers/plan drawers and all others involved in the siting and design of extensions and alterations to homes. In addition to providing advice for planning applications the guidance should be considered as best practice and applied wherever possible to developments when planning consent is not required.
The consultation starts on Thursday 12th February 2026 and closes at Midnight on Sunday 15th March.
The SPD can be viewed below. A paper copy is available at the Customer Service Hub at The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup OL13 0BB (during normal opening hours).
If you have any comments, please fill in the online survey form below, or email forwardplanning@rossendalebc.gov.uk or write to Rossendale Borough Council, Forward Planning, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, Lancashire OL13 0BB.
Comment on the proposed update to the SPD
Consultation on a New Supplementary Planning Guidance for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
The Council has undertaken a public consultation on a planning guidance document to help in considering planning applications for new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). An HMO is usually defined as a building or flat in which two or more households share a basic amenity, such as bathroom or kitchen.
On Friday 19 September, an Article 4 Direction was introduced for the whole of Rossendale to remove permitted development rights to convert a house into an HMO. This means that planning applications are now required for all new HMOs. The proposed supplementary planning guidance (SPG) will be used in the assessment of these planning applications.
The proposed planning guidance for new HMOS which can be viewed below.
Proposed Supplementary Planning Guidance for new HMOs
The consultation has closed on Thursday 11 December 2025 and the comments received can be viewed here.
What is a Supplementary Planning Document?
Supplementary planning documents (SPDs) provide additional help and advice to applicants, architects and planning agents on what we expect to see when certain applications are submitted.
For example, the Conversion and Re-Use of Buildings in the Countryside gives advice and guidance on the design and layout of rural buildings as well as setting out what uses are acceptable in the countryside.
Before submitting a planning application it is advisable to consider the information found in these documents.
Current Supplementary Planning Documents
The documents can be downloaded following the links below:
Alterations and extensions to residential properties
Conversion and re-use of buildings in the countryside
Open Space and Sports Provision
Re-use and re-development of employment land
Masterplan
Other guidance
Guidance on landscape impacts of wind turbines under 60 metres
Compensation Measures for Green Belt Release
Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Strategy (adopted by the Council on 16 March 2022)
Local Standards for Accessible and Adaptable New Housing
For information on biodiversity, such as the first consideration report, please see the biodiversity and nature recovery webpage.
Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan
Information on local planning policies for minerals and waste can be found on the Lancashire County Council website.