Homeless pods to stay in Shadsworth

Blackburn’s homeless pods in Shadsworth have been praised by councillors as they voted unanimously to keep them for the coming two winters.

Blackburn with Darwen’s planning committee extended the approval for the 10 sleeping and two dining ‘pods’ until the end of October 2028.

Under the authority’s ‘severe weather exposure provision’, the sleeping pods in the grounds of the former Shadsworth Leisure Centre have been provided for five years.

On Thursday night, the committee approve an extension to the permission for the pods until October 31, 2028, from the current deadline of to April 1 next year.

This will allow its housing needs team to make longer-term plans for the use of the pods to accommodate vulnerable people and rough sleepers throughout the winters of 2026/27 and 2027/28.

The pods are covered by CCTV and lighting, and two dining areas are provided alongside the sleeping arrangements.Committee chair Cllr Dave Smith said: “They are fantastic and very well received.”

Shadsworth’s local Blackburn South East ward’s Cllr Jim Shorrock said the pods were great and well managed causing no problems for local residents.

Ewood’s Cllr Jim Shorrock said he was delighted they are staying.

He said: “The pods are helping homeless people rebuild their lives and get their dignity back.

“They are a really good thing.

“I hope we can see something similar for the next five or 10 years.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council deputy leader Cllr Quesir Mahmood said: “The pods have been a great success. It’s a really good news story.”

He added that the council’s housing needs team was looking at longer-term provision dependent on the future use of the leisure centre site.