PLANS to transform an area of the Shadsworth Estate have been unveiled by Twin Valley Homes.

The social housing firm has outlined proposals to carry out a regeneration in the Blackburn estate.

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The plans, which have been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council, include improved local shopping and community facilities as well as 20 new homes.

Twin Valley bosses want to demolish shops in Ballantrea Road and demolish the Rothesay Road Spar, as well as the existing health and wellbeing centre.

A new shopping ‘hub’ will be created in Rothesay Road, where the Ballantrea Road shops will be relocated, and a new foodstore will be built, with chain Heron Foods having agreed to lease the site.

Also as part of the plans, six affordable homes will be built on the former Spar site and 14 will be built on the land left at Ballantrea Road.

In planning documents submitted to the council, a Twin Valley Homes spokesman said: “The background to this project includes considering how to improve the appearance and functionality of the existing shops on Ballantrae Road as these have become somewhat rundown and do not help in the appearance of their immediate surroundings.

“In addition, Twin Valley Homes is looking to build further housing in the area in line with its commitment to provide low-cost affordable accommodation, which is still much-needed in Shadsworth.

“Twin Valley Homes has a commitment to running the existing Shadsworth Health and Wellbeing Centre and in response to recent community consultation, there is an opportunity to respond to residents’ aspirations to increase the activity levels of the centre and focus more on what residents require and encourage involvement for all ages.”

Residents have until November 13 to comment on the plans, which are currently being examined by council planning officers.