A COMPANY which has applied to redevelop the site of the former Newhaven Residential Home in Darwen hopes to reassure residents of its plans.

Westbridge Developments Limited has applied to demolish the old building, in Ashleigh Street, and build two blocks of three-storey apartments.

Residents in the area aired their opposition to the development earlier this week when they said they wanted the building, which they believed dated back to between the late 1890s and early 1900s, to remain. Their concerns included increased traffic, lack of privacy for the neighbouring houses and the loss of the old building.

But David Knowles, managing director of Westbridge, assured people that the apartments would be of a high standard and that before they made their application there had been rumours of it becoming some type of hostel.

Mr Knowles said: "The proposal is to build two blocks of apartments, each three-storeys high and utilising the roofspaces. The apartment blocks will be lower than the existing house.

"They will be of the highest quality with luxury fixtures and fittings and will add to and enhance the many features of the area. While no selling prices have been fixed, it is anticipated they will be in excess of £150,000, reflecting the quality and location of this development which gives us all the requirements of modern living.

"The existing building was built for a purpose and has been useful in its time. It has been altered, extended and modified over the years and now its only use is for institutional purposes.

"It will not convert into apartments which would be attractive to purchasers wanting no maintenance, advanced security systems, high-tech appliances and modern heating systems. We moved on this project quite quickly and positively as we had heard on the grapevine that other prospective purchasers of Newhaven had earmarked it for redevelopment - as an asylum seekers' hostel or a bail hostel, for which there is government funding and backing.

"We would urge local residents to support our proposal and planning application."

Any resident who is concerned is asked to contact the company's office on 01204 383003.