A PLOT of land branded 'terrible' and 'an absolute nightmare' is to be transformed with five new homes.

The detached houses will be built on Lower Barn Street, Darwen.

The proposal for the uneven land was approved by councillors on Thursday night.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee granted Amanda Hodgson permission to go ahead with the scheme which had seen two previous blueprints - for four houses and three bungalows - come to nothing.

Planning manager Gavin Prescott told the meeting: " This is an unallocated in-fill site within an area generally residential in character.

"The site features a pronounced change in levels, falling from the southern boundary on Lower Barn Street to the railway line to the north."

Blackburn South and Lower Darwen ward Conservative Cllr Jacquie Slater said: "This is a terrible site.

"We should just pass this application.

"I am pretty sure they will sell it on if they get planning permission.

"Good luck to them."

Darwen East Liberal Democrat Cllr Paul Browne said: "This site is an absolute nightmare."

Committee chairman and Darwen West Labour councillor Dave Smith said: "It is a tricky site.

"It's quite well designed."

The approval was granted despite five objections to the scheme on grounds of privacy and overlooking with one nearby resident suggesting it was more suitable for bungalows than houses.

Mr Prescott said: "Previous permissions for housing led development at the site demonstrate its fundamental suitability for housing.

"This is further reinforced by the availability of nearby public transport links into Darwen town centre and local amenities along the A666.

"Dwellings are detached and arranged in a staggered linear form to the north of the internal road.

"House types appropriately respond to the topography of the site, in that they are split level, appearing as outward facing bungalows, to the street and three storey’s to the rear, facing the railway.

"Accordingly, the development will integrate well with the prevailing street character.

"Overall, the proposal constitutes good design.

"It would, therefore, make a positive contribution to the local area."

Cllr Browne expressed concern that two of the new houses would be too close to existing homes by Mr Prescott said they met all planning standards on separation and privacy.

Cllr Browne said: "I bow to your professionalism but I'll be keeping my eye on it."