PLANS for a housing estate on disused land blighted by flytipping and travellers have been revealed.

Outline plans have been sent into the planning department at Blackburn with Darwen Council for a new residential estate in Hollins Grove Street, Darwen.

Preston-based Cassidy and Ashton Architects and Building Surveyors submitted the application on behalf of European Thoroughbreds Ltd which will carry out the development if it is given the go ahead.

The company has plans for 82 homes, including 44 houses, 30 apartments and five flats over houses. A public open space with a play area for children and business premises are also part of the designs on the 5.25 acre site.

Parts of the area, between the Blackburn and Bolton railway line Hollins Grove Street and Goose House Lane, has been used in the past as a dumping ground for household goods and domestic waste.

And at one time was used by travellers before it was fenced off and secured.

For a short time the land was used for outdoor storage and has been empty since 2005.

Trevor Maxfield, For Darwen councillor for the Earcroft ward, said: "There was a problem with gypsies at one time and flytippers before the area had gates installed.

"Any development that brings in jobs as well as houses to the area has to be a good thing."

Moira Barrett, Labour ward councillor for Earcroft, said: "If there is going to be houses there I hope they will be affordable housing.

"I welcome any development for housing in the borough because there is a shortage of affordable family homes in Darwen."