A social housing provider has been given the go ahead knock down 28 properties on a former council estate.

The houses are on Staffa Crescent in Shadsworth, Blackburn, and the demolitions are part of a £20 million makeover of the 1950's development.

Together Housing Group has been given approval for the work by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The demolition application applies to 1 to 17, 25 to 35, 4, and 8 to 26 Staffa Crescent.

It also proposes to knock down two other groups properties - the former Gleneagles scheme in Shadsworth and 48 homes the neighbouring Whitebirk Estate in Brecon Road, Devon Road, Gloucester Road, Hereford Road, Monmouth Road, and Worcester Road

A report by planning officer Nick Blackledge on the demolition of the Staffa Crescent homes says: "Assessment of the submitted information, aided by a site inspection confirms that the proposed demolition is permitted development and that all conditional matters have been adequately addressed within the applicants submission,

"No objections have been cited in the consultee comments received.

"Accordingly prior approval is given.

"The application site relates dwellings on Staffa Crescent,located within the wider Shadsworth Housing Estate.

"The site is within the ownership of the applicant, Together Housing Group.

"It is submitted that Together Housing intend to demolish the buildings to facilitate future redevelopment.

"The submitted General Method Statement for the Demolition of the site confirms intended removal of asbestos by a licensed contractor in advance of demolition and that all buildings would be stripped of all recyclables.

"All buildings would then be demolished to slab level and all relic foundations grubbed.

"Waste would be either be re-used on site or removed from site.

"The disturbed ground would then be levelled and compacted flat, to facilitate future redevelopment.

"The cleared site will be secured with fencing after the demolition is complete."

Frances Clarke, assistant director for place shaping at Together Housing said: “As part of our investment into the Shadsworth estate, we are planning works that respond to the needs residents highlighted as most important to them.

"This forms part of our wider Place Shaping plans, which see Together Housing investing in communities across its operating area.

"As well as investment in new buildings, this includes improvements to parks, green spaces, and public areas.

“Our investment in Shadsworth aims to ensure our communities remain great places to live now and in the future.

"Residents living in the affected properties in Staffa Crescent have been offered alternative properties and will receive financial and personal support to move.”