A patch of Blackburn open land blighted by persistent fly-tipping is to be redeveloped with five bungalows.

In August, Kabir Sharif re-applied for planning permission to build the new homes on the tarmac and grassed area fronting Hollin Bridge Street in Ewood.

A previous approval for a similar scheme approved in October 2020 had lapsed.

The land had been sold by Blackburn with Darwen Council for housing, and now the authority has granted planning permission for the scheme with 20 conditions

A planning officer's report recommending approval said: "The application site is a vacant piece of land within Blackburn.

"It previously housed a number of terraced dwellings.

Drawings of how the bungalows will lookDrawings of how the bungalows will look

"Dwellings of varying styles surround to three sides with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Grade II-listed Hollin Bridge and commercial buildings positioned to the southeast.

"The site is predominantly scrubbed over with an area of hardstanding and an access point from Hollin Bridge Street.

"The site previously benefitted from an extant permission for a similar scheme, which has now expired.

"This application involves the erection of five bungalows with associated outdoor amenity space and private parking.

"Two bedrooms would be provided together with a hallway, bathroom and open plan kitchen/dining/lounge areas.

"Red bricks and grey concrete tiles would be used to finish the proposed dwellings, and they would be fitted with dark grey uPVC doors and windows.

"Solar panels and projecting porch features would be installed to their front elevations.

"Front and rear gardens would be provided together with two parking spaces for each dwelling.

"Hollin Bridge is Grade II-listed and is a single carriageway. It provides access to the A666.

"The increase in vehicular movements over the bridge would be negligible from the proposed development.

"The proposals involve the loss of an area of unallocated open space that is within private ownership.

"Given the private nature of the site, it cannot be classed as ‘functional’ open space (and it has been fenced off and has evidence of fly-tipping) or have significant amenity value.

"Moreover, there are designated open spaces within an accessible distance of the site, including the Harrison Recreation Ground, Hamilton Street and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

"The proposed bungalows would provide a niche offer for individuals that require single-storey accommodation."

A supporting statement submitted with the applications said: "The site is in an untidy state with evidence of fly-tipping and litter.

"The proposals amount to windfall development within the Blackburn urban area and therefore form an important component of the council’s identified housing supply."