A scheme for 133 new homes is expected to go ahead once the paperwork for £100,000 towards affordable housing and public transport has been completed.

Paul Sedgwick, agent for the developer of the homes in Pole Lane, Darwen said: “Everything has now been signed and sealed. We are now in a good position for this project to go ahead.”

News of the planning permission agreement with Blackburn with Darwen Council, despite a missed deadline of June 25 for the paperwork, angered Sudell councillor Paul Browne.

Council solicitor Michael Green told him all the paperwork had now been signed and submitted.

Chief executive Harry Catherall said: “The development was permitted with delegated authority given to the head of planning and transport to approve planning permission subject to the applicants first entering into a section 106 agreement.

“This delegated power does not have a time limit on it.

“However, the committee also gave the head of planning and transport added authority to refuse planning permission if the agreement was not completed before June 25.

“The agreement was completed before that date and was just awaiting formal sign off, so the head of planning chose not to exercise the option to refuse.”