COUNCILLORS have been urged to approve a terrace of four new homes as part of the £20million makeover of a 1950s former council estate after two trees were saved from the axe.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee will on Thursday next week debate an application for the ‘modular’ properties on a former garage site on the corner of Shadsworth Road, Dunoon Drive, and Orkney Close.

The scheme by Together Housing is part of its overhaul of Blackburn’s Shadsworth estate.

A similar 'infill' housing development of two three-bedroomed homes in Brodick Road has already been approved and a third such scheme for five three bed properties in Brownlow Street is still being considered.

In February the social housing provider also applied for planning permission for a brand new single-storey youth hub behind an existing shopping and community complex off Rothesay Road.

A planning officer's report to Thursday's meeting recommends approval of the three-bed, five person terraced houses with six new car parking spaces with 20 conditions.

The partially factory-built home will be fitted with solar panels and air source heat pumps to cut bills and carbon emissions.

The report says: "The application is reported to committee due to the receipt of a 27 signature petition objecting to the proposal on account of the intention to remove four established trees.

"An amended layout has since being agreed which goes some way to addressing public concern expressed over loss of trees.

"Two trees are now to be retained whilst two trees will be removed.

"Loss of the two trees is necessary to accommodate the development.

"Their loss is considered to be outweighed by the provision of additional demand-led affordable housing to the area subject to replacement tree planting within the immediate locale.

"Replacement shall be at a rate of two new trees for every one removed.

"The site represents one of three ‘infill’ sites within the estate targeted for additional, demand led affordable housing, as part of a wider strategy to attract and retain households to be part of a wider, invigorated and more diverse community and ensure viable long-term asset and neighbourhood management.

"The site is located at the junction of Shadsworth Road / Dunoon Drive / Orkney Close, Blackburn, at the north west edge of the estate. It is partially previously-developed land.

"Orkney Close in general and in particular the section fronting Shadsworth Road, is defined by its terraced street pattern.

"The proposed town houses in a row of three are considered the most appropriate type for the site."