AN arson-hit Victorian manor and its grounds may not be converted into 18 new homes because of objections from residents and the local council.

Residents and councillors are unhappy about plans submitted to Hyndburn Council for Owl Hall, at the top of Plantation Street, Accrington.

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

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

They fear that the development would also lead to the loss of 50 mature trees to create 47 parking spaces at the site.

Planning officers at the council have nowrecommended that the planning application is refused when it is considered at a meeting this week.

Mr 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 developer, of Blackburn Road, Rising Bridge, said that fears of 50 trees being cut down were incorrect and said he would be planting 25 trees, including beech and sycamore.

But 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 last month.

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 five months ago.

Firefighters spent more than 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.