FIVE other sites for the controversial £34million Darwen Academy were considered but rejected, a public inquiry into the proposed location was told.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council boss told the inquiry yesterday that the Redearth Triangle site was selected because it was the most suitable with four hectares of space.

The inquiry at Astley Bank Hotel, Darwen, led by inspector Christina Downes, is looking into whether the council should be allowed to compulsory purchase 13 remaining properties in the area.

Yesterday John Ryden, council strategy manager for regeneration, housing and neighbourhood, told the hearing he was asked to undertake an exercise to examine sites in Darwen which had a possibility for a school development.

Mr Ryden said he was asked to find sites of 3.3 hectares or greater.

The hearing hear that Belgrave Mill, next to Darwen town centre, Robin Bank, near to the old technical college, Woodlands Park or Two Gates, off Anyon Street, land next to Darwen Vale High School, Sough Road and the Redearth Triangle were all considered.

Mr Ryden said Redearth was later chosen as the site had four hectares of space.

The others failed on various grounds including size, suitability and location, he said.

Mr Ryden said: "I was asked to look at the sites in the view that it was a large piece of land."

He undertook the examination of the sites in 2004 and said: "The council is satisfied that the land is genuinely required to secure the carrying out of the academy development and that the considerable public benefit to Darwen, and the provision of education in Darwen, which will flow from the scheme, would not be achieved if the CPO were not to be concerned."

During cross exam-ination from Simon Huggill and Mr Allen Walker, who represent residents objecting to the proposed scheme, Mr Ryden was quizzed about a potential site in Pole Lane.

But he said the land was currently secured for residential use.

The inquiry is expected to continue for a further four days.