RESIDENTS who wanted to block a bid to build 34 new houses close to their own homes because of fears about juvenile nuisance look set to have their hopes dashed.

People in the Barnfield Street area of Accrington objected to a plan by developers Maunders Westbury to build the new estate on spare land off Wensley Drive.

Homeowners voiced their concerns to housing chiefs at Hyndburn Council, saying the plan would increase the problem of gangs of youths hanging around the area.

But the developers look set to get the go-ahead from councillors on the development services committee, which meets to discuss the issue on Wednesday.

Town hall bosses have attempted to calm residents' fears by ensuring a landscaping scheme is included in the plan to reduce open space where young people could gather.

The council's policy requires schemes for new housing estates to include play facilities for youngsters.

But Maunders bosses have agreed to fund play equipment elsewhere in the borough rather than incorporating a playground as part of the new estate.

A report to councillors, which recommends approval of the scheme, states: "Letters have been received concerning the area around Barnfield Street having a serious problem with juvenile nuisance from teenage gangs.

"One is concerned that the area of proposed open space to the rear of properties on Barnfield Street could attract juveniles and the problems of disturbance in the area could be even worse."

But the report adds: "The area of open space would be heavily planted which would discourage any use as a play area."

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