AN ARSON-hit Victorian manor and its grounds could be developed into 18 homes after plans were unveiled.

But residents are unhappy about the proposal submitted to Hyndburn Council for Owl Hall, at the top of Plantation Street in Accrington.

The plans include the conversion of the 140-year-old hall and its cottage into four new homes and the erection of a further 14 buildings in its grounds, based around a central courtyard.

But residents fear the new residences will put pressure on the single cobbled track that leads to the site and create congestion on an already busy road.

The development would also lead to the loss of 50 mature trees.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "The track up to the hall is very old and not fit for two cars to pass along it.

"If 18 new homes are built there is going to be a large number of cars needing to use the track.

"Lots of children and elderly people cross Plantation Street and it will make it very dangerous for them."

Residents have relayed their fears to Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who met a community group at the site this week.

Mr Pope said: "I share the concerns of local residents about the nature of the proposal and I will raise this matter with Hyndburn Borough Council."

Residents who oppose the scheme are also being urged to write to the council to raise their objections.

The plans have been submitted by developers Harriet Homes Ltd. Owner Peter Broadley bought the property four months ago.

Firefighters spent over 20 hours tackling a blaze at the hall after it was hit by arsonists in October.

The roof of the hall, built by the Hargreaves family, suffered 75 per cent damage.

The main building, which is unoccupied, has also become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

Teenagers have been gathering at the site late at night and a gang of youths recently smashed the hall's windows with catapults.

The plans for the development will go before Hyndburn's planning committee in the new year.