THE future of a 100-year-old building in Darwen is uncertain again just months after residents successfully fought against its demolition.

Plans to pull down former residential home Newhaven, in Ashleigh Street, and build 14 apartments on the site were refused in June. Residents believed the building was of historical value and the apartments would lead to increased traffic.

But now Bolton-based Westbridge Developments Ltd have submitted a new application.

Permission had been granted subject to conditions for the conversion of the existing building into ten apartments, which would have kept the old facade.

But Westbridge say the building has deteriorated and now want to demolish it after all.

Town planner Alison Roland, acting on behalf of Westbridge, said: "The building is in a far worse condition than was originally anticipated. It does not lend itself to conversion due to the intrinsic design and layout.

"At present it is vacant and subject to vandalism. The poor condition of the building is at odds with the generally well-presented state of surrounding houses. The building is not listable quality and does not stand within a conservation area."

She added that if the building was converted, the tall landing window, which residents had hoped to save, would be removed anyway. The building is believed to date from between the late 1890s and early 1900s and was formerly a typical Victorian cotton manufacturer's house with large staircase and a stained-glass window. Plans are for a single block of apartments on four floors.

June Ellison, one resident who campaigned against the demolition, said: "I was aware of an application for the conversion of the building which we would have been happy with if it kept the building the same.

"People are quite happy to see it back in use and even converted into apartments, although there was an issue over the extra traffic. But we don't want it demolishing.

The application will be discussed by the borough planners next week.