THE design of some of the 168 homes to be built in a deprived area has been unveiled.

First images of what the Phoenix Project regener-ation area in West Accrington could look like show a range of apartments, bungalows and town houses.

Even five-bedroomed houses will be included in the designs for the site bounded by Blackburn Road, Leyland Street, Star Street and Oakbank Drive.

A planning application for the development has been submitted to Hyndburn Council and work could begin later this year.

The plans have been submitted by Doncaster-based developer Haslam Homes and the overall project is being managed by Elevate East Lancashire.

Similar redevelopment work is taking place across the region.

Haslam Homes North West sales manager, Stuart Milhench, said the company had designed a combination of value-for-money houses, apartments and bungalows.

He said: "The site will range from one-bedroom apartments - ideal for first time buyers or those wanting to downsize to low maintenance homes - to larger five-bedroom three-storey homes.

"Many of the house styles are new to the Haslam Homes portfolio and have been designed specifically for Accrington buyers.

"Haslam Homes is committed to the long term successful regeneration of Accrington through the Phoenix Project, and we are delighted that the shared vision for the future is becoming a reality.

"The company has an excellent track record in working in partnership with communities to give local people the opportunity to stay in the area, and to attract people to live and work by providing a range of high-quality value-for-money homes, designed for today's buyers."

The West Accrington area has already seen large-scale development, with 188 homes demolished to make way for the properties.

A £13million health centre in Blackburn Road is also under construction as part of the regeneration and will be completed next year.

Judith Furlonger, Elevate development manager, said: "The Phoenix One planning application represents an important milestone for the Elevate programme and is a major step for the partner-ship between Elevate, Hyndburn Borough Council and the selected developer."

This year Hyndburn Council has received £7.49m Housing Market Renewal money from Elevate for improving housing in the area.

The building work will take place in the "Project Phoenix 1" site. Demolition at "Phoenix 2" which is adjacent to the east side is set to begin soon.