RESIDENTS near an old building in Darwen earmarked for demolition and redevelopment today said it would be a tragedy to see it go.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is considering a request to build 14 apartments on the site of the former Newhaven residential home, in Ashleigh Street.

The plans, from Westbridge Developments Ltd, Bolton, include building two blocks of apartments following demolition of the house, which has been described in the plans as 'of no architectural value'. But some residents claim it will remove a piece of local history and increase traffic on an already busy road.

June Ellison, of Cyprus Street, said: "The building has been there more than 100 years and is beautiful inside. The applicants want to build two three-storey blocks of apartments which would be nearer the next-door bungalow. The plans state there would be parking available for 25 cars but this means more traffic.

"It is a typical Victorian cotton manufacturer's house with a beautiful staircase and a lovely stained-glass window. We have had a look at the back of it and some of the windows would need replacing."

Dorothy Corall, who lives in the next-door bungalow in Ross Street, said: "The building would be brought much nearer to us if it goes ahead. They are literally going to be over our garden which at the moment is a lovely private garden.

"I understand these old houses take a lot of upkeep but it would be such a tragedy to get rid of it. It's such a beautiful house. I've looked at the plans and they are not bad-looking flats but they are far too high."

Regarding car spaces, she added: "It is congested enough on that road with traffic coming to the school but at least we know that is only certain times of the day."

Some residents were also concerned over the length of time they had to object, particularly because the plans were advertised over Christmas.

But a council spokesman said: "The national regulations state people have 21 days to submit objections but if someone wants to object to something they can do so up to the planning meeting."

No-one at Westbridge Developments Ltd was available for comment.