PLANS to build 73 new houses in Blackburn are expected to be given the go-ahead.

Twin Valley Homes has submitted a full planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council to build on land between Lincoln Road, Pringle Street, and North Road. The houses, some for rent as well as for sale, would have between two and five bedrooms and be built in four stages.

Planning officer Gavin Prescott said the application was in its early stages and he was consulting highways officers about access to the site, in an area the council is keen to regenerate.

Mr Prescott said: "The plans involve changing the levels of the site and we need to look at the relationship between existing houses and Prospect Mill."