A SCHEME to build eight two-bedroomed flats on land off Exchange Street, Darwen, looks set to be given the green light by councillors.

Several residents have complained to the council about the proposed three-storey block of flats, saying they would be an overbearing presence for residents on Exchange Street and Lightbown Street.

And a 90-name petition from residents will be presented to councillors before they reach a final decision on the project.

The plans were originally put before councillors in October but a decision had to be delayed when residents complained, via Darwen Liberal Councillor Paul Browne, that the first they had heard about the flats was when they read about them in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Councillors and council experts have since consulted with residents who have expressed their fears about the plans for the former garages site. Communal garden areas will be created at the rear of the flats and 12 parking bays will be provided at the front.

As a result of the three-storey nature of the flats, householders say elderly people or families with children will find them inaccessible.

Residents also complain that there has already been extensive development within the area with new homes having been recently been built off Lightbown Street.

And they say that because the flats will be rented rather than sold there will be regular changes of occupancy which will "foster an environment which will devalue the properties already established".

Despite this, officers have decided to urge councillors to give the scheme the go-ahead at a town hall meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee tomorrow.

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