CONTROVERSIAL demolition work has started at the old Rossendale General Hospital site in Rawtenstall.

The building, which began life as part of Haslingden Workhouse in the late 1860s, is to make way for a 139-home development by Manchester-based developer Taylor Wimpey.

Hundreds of heritage campaigners opposed the decision to knock down the old hospital, which closed its doors in September 2010.

But Rossendale Council’s planning committee voted to give the development, off Haslingden Road, the go-ahead last November.

Anthony Mansfield, regional sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey said the homes would bring ‘significant benefits to the town’.

He said: “Not only will these new homes provide prospective buyers the chance to take advantage of our buying schemes, but a number of jobs will be created during the build process.”

Taylor Wimpey said 20 per cent of the two, three and four bedroom homes - which will be known as Dale View Moor - will be classed as affordable housing.

Mr Mansfield said: “We are thrilled to be bringing some fantastic homes to the Rossendale area. Whether you are looking to take that first step on the property ladder or move to a larger family home, our schemes are there to help make taking that step seamless.

“The sales office will be opening in the coming months where house-hunters can glean further insight into the homes and schemes; but in the mean-time we’d urge anybody interested in buying in the area to register their interest.”

The firm will offer the government-backed Help to Buy initiative at Dale Moor View, which will enable eligible buyers the chance to secure a home at the development with a five per cent deposit.

Last June, the Lancashire Telegraph revealed how ‘urban explorers’ were entering the derelict hospital mortuary, which prompted a security review by the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.