PLANS to build houses on the site where a group of "eyesore" garages once stood look set to hit a brick wall.

The garages on Belgarth Road, Accrington, were demolished earlier this year after Hyndburn Council told the owner to clean them up or pull them down.

The crumbling buildings had fallen into disrepair and were used for fly tipping.

Now the new owner, thought to be a builder from Burnley, has applied for outline planning permission to build 12 three-storey houses on the land.

The application also covers land on Pollard Street, Accrington, the site of 18 concrete garages. But members of Hyndburn Council's planning committee are recommended to refuse it when they meet tonight. .

A report to be considered by them says although the proposals are for a previously developed site, the council is already exceeding its target for house building in the borough.

Residents have also expressed concerns about parking in the area, and a potential loss of privacy in their homes.

"Whilst this site can be considered to fall within the definition of previously developed land, there is not currently a defined need for additional housing on unallocated sites.

"The parking provision within the area is based upon on-street parking and parking is at a premium. In addition the church also attracts a significant congregation that imposes peak loads onto the area together with daily additional loads from parents dropping children off for the school across the railway line. The development of 12 properties will significantly restrict the available on-street parking and manoeuvring areas," the report says.

Peter Hitchen, agent for the landowner, declined to comment.