A DEVELOPER is staging a public meeting to explain controversial plans for 112 houses on a greenfield site.

Bolton-based William Hargreaves Limited wants to resolve quickly any problems about building on the nine-acre area in Darwen between Pole Lane and Marsh House Lane.

The firm will give a presentation and answer questions to reassure residents at Sudellside Community Centre tomorrow from 6.30pm.

William Hargreaves Limited is concerned as the site has proved elusive for developers for the past 23 years, even though it is allocated for housing under Blackburn with Darwen Council's local plan.

Attempts to build an estate on the land failed in 1979, 1989 and 1993. Outline planning permission for the current development was granted in September 2000, despite a 400-name petition from local residents.

The company wants to build better relations with the local community before September when the full plans, submitted four months ago, will be considered by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

An apartment block with 12 flats, bungalows and semi-detached and detached three and four bedroom houses could be built if plans were approved. There would be a 1.2 metre high fence around the properties.

Coun Kevin Connor, who supported local residents in their petition two years ago, was pleased that the developer had arranged the meeting.

"At the time I didn't like the land being used for building," he said, "but we lost and there is no doubt that it will be used for residential purposes. So we have to try and get the best we can.

"It is very unusual for a developer to do this. It shows the company is willing to put its point of view and be available to people in their neighbourhood."

Paul Miller, residential development manager at William Hargreaves, said: "We have had eight objections so far and more people may come to the meeting with concerns. We will do what we can to reassure them.

"We want people to know exactly what we are trying to do. People are worried when they see a development and we don't want to be seen as a company which who goes out and does whatever it wants."