PROPOSALS to build 37 new homes and four light industrial units on derelict former railways sidings in Darwen have been given the green light.

Senior councillors have approved a planning applications for the scheme off Hollins Grove Street.

The new housing estate on the southern part of the site will have a mix of three and four-bedroomed properties with associated parking and gardens.

The northern portion of the currently vacant land will be home to four commercial units for light industrial and storage use providing 1,653 square metres of space. There will be separate access road to the new housing and business/employment premises.

The scheme was approved by Blackburn with Darwen Planning and Highways Committee on last night despite concerns by nearby Crown Paints about its impact on its electricity supply and an objection from Darwen East ward’s Cllr Roy Davies about the extra traffic it will create.

The permission granted includes a condition specifying that developer Pillars Darwen Ltd pays the council £35,000 towards road and footpath improvements in the area.

Moving approval of the application, Darwen East Labour councillor Jane Oates said: “This is a really good development. I think it will enhance the area.”

She was backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley, who said: “This piece of land has become derelict. Approving this application will bring 37 houses to it and a number of jobs to the area.”

Cllr Paul Browne voted against approval after echoing his fellow Darwen East Liberal Democrat council colleague Cllr Davies' concerns about traffic congestion on Hollins Grove Street and the A666 through the town.

Borough planning manager Gavid Prescott told the committee: “The dwellings are to be a mix of two and three storeys in height and faced in a mix of brick and render under tile roofs.

“The redevelopment of this site which has been vacant in excess of a decade and has a spoiled appearance which detracts from visual amenity is welcomed.”

He said the design, bounded by the Manchester to Blackburn railway line, would ensure that homes on Hollins Grove Street, Surrey Avenue and Gillibrand Street had acceptable levels of peace and privacy.