A CONTROVERSIAL development of 343 homes is set to get the green light despite 81 objections and fears over mine shafts on the site.

McDermott Homes want to build the two, three and four-bedroom houses on Bailey’s Field off the new Ellison Fold Way in Darwen - once dubbed ‘The Road to Nowhere’.

The scheme has generated strong opposition from local residents concerned about over-development of the town and the potential danger of subsidence on the 45.5 acre former colliery site.

The application by Altham-based McDermott Homes will be considered by Blackburn with Darwen Council Planning Committee on Thursday.

An officers’ report recommends councillors to approve the development subject to 24 conditions and a payment of £1.5million by the developer towards local infrastructure projects.

This includes £742,500 towards the expansion of St Peter’s CE Primary School, Turncroft Road, Darwen.

It also commits McDermott Homes to paying £642,500 towards completion of the Darwen East Development Corridor highway improvement works and £100,000 for improvements to the Blacksnape Children’s Play Area.

The officers’ report says that initial objections by the Coal Authority over fears of collapse into old mineshafts on the land, first raised by former Darwen East borough councillor Roy Davies, had been withdrawn.

Leading campaigner against the new homes Anne Mills of Ellison Fold Terrace said: “I am not surprised by this recommendation but that does not mean I am happy about it. The report takes no account of our views. There is nothing in this scheme for the wider community in Darwen.”

Conservative regeneration spokesman Cllr Paul Marrow said: “I have received a lot of complaints and objections from residents. I shall be looking at this plan with a careful and critical eye on Thursday.”

Mr Davies said: “I am still not happy about this development. I am considering attending the committee to object.”

The report tells councillors: “Detailed assessment finds the proposed development corresponds with the council’s overarching housing growth strategy, as set out in the Local Plan. Delivery of a high quality housing development is assured, focussed on land allocated for housing delivery.”

It adds: “Members are advised that refusal of the application for the sole reason that the land should be put to an alternative use than housing would be entirely contrary to the Local Plan. This would inevitably lead to challenge through the appeal process and would leave the council heavily exposed to the threat of an award of costs for unreasonable behaviour.”

The scheme includes 67 affordable homes.