THE owner of a historic hall which was targeted by arsonists has hit back at suggestions that his redevelopment plans will blight the area.

Residents fear that the proposals for 18 new homes at the Victorian manor Owl Hall, Accrington, will cause traffic problems and damage the environment.

But property developer Peter Broadley said that the site, at the top of Plantation Street, will be rejuvenated and the derelict property will be restored to its former glory.

The plans submitted to Hyndburn Council include the conversion of the 140-year-old hall and its cottage into four new homes, three dwellings within a stone coach house and the erection of a further 11 buildings in the grounds.

Mr Broadley, of Blackburn Road, Rising Bridge, said that fears of 50 trees being cut down were incorrect.

He said: "There are only three trees that will be cut down, and these are not protected trees.

"They are all in a poor state and need to be removed.

"I will be planting 25 trees, including beech and sycamore."

He added: "There are a lot of chinese whispers about what might happen and they are ridiculous.

"It is about making an old and derelict building beautiful again, not about ruining it.

"And one of the reasons that this building will be so beautiful is because of the trees."

A single cobbled road leads up to the site but Mr Broadley said he had consulted with highway officials and it had been deemed suitable for use.

Mr Broadley, who lives in a converted rectory, said: "People get very emotive when they learn that an old building is to be done up, but they have formed their opinions without looking at the plans.

"I have a proven track record on working with old buildings.

"I am also looking at using wind turbines, solar panels and water treatments systems."

Mr 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, originally built by the Hargreaves family, suffered 75 per cent damage.

The site is also a favourite haunt for teenagers at night time.

"I have had the police up there a dozen times because of vandalism and other things going on there, " said Mr Broadley.

"There has been problems around that site for years - my plans will put an end to that."

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