THIS is the first glimpse of how a crime-hit apartment block will look when it is transformed into a community retirement village.

Mytholme House, Waterfoot, which has been branded an eyesore and has been boarded up for seven years, could be demolished, if plans are passed.

In place of the derelict social-housing project, 12 one-bedroom apartments could be erected at the Burnley Road East site by social landlord Green Vale Homes. The two-person flats would offer affordable housing for people over the age of 55.

During a consultation for the proposed devel-opment, more than 2,000 residents and traders signed a petition to save the neighbouring car park, children’s play area and bus turning circle.

Following a packed drop-in session held by Green Vale Homes in November, where dozens of residents shared their views on the project, the owners provided revised plans.

In accordance with Coun Alyson Barnes’ pledge to save the community resources, the landlord’s plans for the new development run along the boundary of the play area and car park.

The bus turning circle would be used as an access point by residents of the new complex.

In a report, Green Vale Homes said: “General feedback received on the day was that the revised proposal to redevelop Mytholme House and to leave the turning circle, car park and play areas in situ was welcomed.”

Twelve feedback forms were completed on the day. Six people were in favour of the scheme, two against and four were undecided.

The proposal includes the removal of six trees to make way for the development.