A decision on the £29.6 million bid for the government cash needed to pave the way for one of East Lancashire’s biggest-ever housing developments to go ahead is expected by the end of the month.

Hyndburn's Full Council has been updated on the progress of the submission to Homes England's Infrastructure Fund, for the grant essential to allow the creation of Huncoat Garden Village.

The proposed £100m plus development could see the the building of up to 1,816 new homes

The Homes England grant would be invested in infrastructure such as roads and utilities.

If the cash is given it would see council's masterplan turned into bricks and mortar over the next 10 to 15 years on land at the edge of the existing Huncoat Village.

Lancashire Telegraph: An artist's impression of the developmentAn artist's impression of the development

Plans include affordable homes, a local centre, highway improvements including a new road, additional school provision, new sports pitches and play areas, cycle and pedestrian routes plus new and enhanced formal and informal open spaces.

Hyndburn's interim leader, Cllr Peter Britcliffe, told the Full Council meeting on Thursday: “Securing this investment would be huge for Hyndburn, another £30 million on top of the nearly £60 million we have secured in the last year.

“People’s main complaint with new housing is that it doesn’t come with the relevant infrastructure.

"This funding would mean we have investment in roads and utilities to support more housing.

“New housing need not be a bad thing, providing housing for our young people and young families is vital so our area can prosper.”

Huncoat's Labour Councillor Dave Parkins said: “Despite all this promise of the decision being imminent, Huncoat residents are still unsure of what is happening.

"I am unclear of the impact on the village when its come to congestion around Altham Lane.

"We await proper details rather these briefings and statements from the Conservatives."