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New homes and housing · Lancashire

Social Housing in Colne

How are new social rent homes delivered in Colne?

Social housing in Colne is low-cost rented housing owned and let by councils and housing associations to households in housing need, with rents kept well below market levels. Land to Homes aims to plan and build social rent homes on the sites it brings forward, working with councils and housing associations. We do not allocate homes: allocations are made by councils and housing providers through their own lists.

Newly completed terrace of two-storey affordable homes with small front gardensColne · BB8

Register your interest

Tell us where you want to live and what you need. Free, no obligation.

Registering interest is not a housing application. Social and affordable homes are allocated by councils and housing providers through their own lists.

Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.

  • Free to registerNo fees, no deposit, no obligation
  • Hear firstIf homes are released near you
  • Affordable homesWith councils and housing associations
  • Clear informationTenure, specification and warranty
  • UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI

Homes we plan around Colne

About 23 miles east of Preston, Colne is part of our Lancashire coverage, centred on postcode district BB8. Nelson is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 2 miles, followed by Burnley and Accrington. Within England, Colne falls in the North West region.

Registrations for Colne cover accessible and adaptable homes, one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom family homes. As Colne is in England, applications are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework, and the buyer of land pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

Registering for Colne is free and you can ask us to remove your details at any time.

Why work with Land to Homes in Colne

Whole-site schemes

We can also discuss schemes built entirely for a council or housing association, on land we bring forward or land the landlord already owns.

Homes for social landlords

We plan and build social rent homes for councils and housing associations to own, manage and let to households from their lists.

We do not allocate homes

Allocations are made by councils and housing providers through their own lists and policies. We cannot add anyone to a list or influence who is offered a home.

Homes for the long term

Homes are designed for long-term letting, with durable materials, practical layouts and running costs for tenants kept in mind.

How the rules work in Colne

In England, affordable housing on market developments in Colne is normally secured through a Section 106 agreement, which sets the number, tenure and transfer of homes to a registered provider. Grant from Homes England can add further homes, and the 2026 to 2036 programme expects at least 60% of funded homes to be Social Rent. Land to Homes can supply land, design and build homes, or deliver completed homes for councils and housing associations.

In England, social rent homes are owned by councils and registered providers regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing, with rents set under the Rent Standard. Councils allocate homes under their published allocation schemes, often through choice-based lettings. New social homes are usually secured through Section 106 agreements or funded with grant through Homes England, or the Greater London Authority in London.

Key rules in Colne
National planning policyNational Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Developer contributionsSection 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Questions about Social Housing in Colne

What tenancy do social housing tenants get?

It depends on the nation and the landlord. Council and housing association tenants in England usually have secure or assured tenancies, Wales uses secure occupation contracts, Scotland uses the Scottish secure tenancy and Northern Ireland has its own secure tenancy arrangements. Some landlords start new tenants on an introductory or starter tenancy first.

How is social housing allocated?

Councils and housing associations allocate social homes using published allocation policies that give priority to households in housing need, such as people who are homeless, overcrowded or living in unsuitable housing. Many areas use a shared register or choice-based lettings, where applicants bid for advertised homes. The details vary by council and by nation.

Can social housing be built on land I own?

Yes. Land can be sold to a developer who includes social homes in the scheme, or offered for a scheme built entirely for a council or housing association. Planning policy often requires affordable homes on larger sites anyway. Our free site appraisal looks at whether your land suits new homes and which route makes sense.

How are social rents set?

In England, social rents are set using a government formula under the Rent Standard, which the Regulator of Social Housing oversees. Wales has its own rent policy for social landlords, and in Scotland social landlords set rents in consultation with their tenants. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements. Social rents are generally well below private market levels.

Are there new homes available in Colne now?

Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Colne at the moment. You can register your interest for Colne, and we will contact you if we bring homes forward there or nearby.

Read more: Social Housing · Guide: How affordable and social homes are delivered across the UK

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

CallRegister interest