A PROPOSAL to knock down a vacant pub and replace it with four semi-detached houses and 16 flats for affordable rent will be debated by councillors.

Housing association Onward Homes wants to build the small estate on the site of The Cabin End Hotel in Windsor Road, Knuzden Brook.

The application for 16 apartments apartment and four two-bedroomed semi-detached houses constructed from red brick with slate roofs will be considered by Hyndburn Council Planning Committee tomorrow/today (THURSDAY).

Several local residents have objected that the development on a prominent corner includes too many properties, will cause parking and traffic congestion problems and raise fears that social housing for rent will devalue their own homes.

Planning officials recommend approval for the scheme subject to 21 conditions including a £10,000 payment towards public open space in the area.

Local St Oswald's ward councillor Glen Harrison said: "The pub has become dilapidated and a bit of an eyesore.

"Residents are raised concerns about parking and traffic.

"The loss of the Cabin End will be sad. Many people have happy memories of it.

"But provided the conditions meet residents worries, this will be better than an empty, dilapidated public house."

The Cabin End hotel on the corner of Windsor Road and Cambridge Drive closed in April 2019. There are three other pubs within a two mile radius.

A planning officers report to the committee says: "The site is previously developed and within the urban boundary of Knuzden.

"It is within a sustainable location, close to local shops and is immediately adjacent to a local bus route which serves Accrington and Blackburn.

"It is in within an existing largely residential area and therefore residential development on this site would be compatible.

"The scheme includes16 car parking spaces with two disabled spaces for the apartments and eight spaces for the houses. Cycle provision has also been included.

"Objections have been received in relation to the inclusion of flats in the scheme.

"The apartment blocks are sited along Windsor Road with two semi-detached houses on the corner.

"This reduces the visual impact of the apartments as they are not prominently located.

"The houses also have good size gardens.

"Officers are satisfied that the development would provide quality accommodation which would be to a good standard for the residents, could improve the existing appearance of the site and make efficient use of the land."