A RUN-DOWN terraced house earmarked for demolition as part of a plan to build houses on land behind has had a compulsory purchase order put on it by Pendle Council.

Councillor Alan Vickerman accused the owner of 21 Pasture Lane, Barrowford, of allowing the house to fall into disrepair.

Standel Dawman Ltd, which has a factory nearby, wants to build homes on the land, with access to Pasture Lane through number 21.

The company, which owns the house, has submitted an outline planning application for residential development on the site, including the demolition of number 21, to Pendle Council.

But residents and local councillors claim the scheme would create traffic choas on Pasture Lane.

The council's Pendle Services committee voted to allow the compulsory purchase order (CPO , which was made in August), to be submitted to the Department of the Environment for confirmation, following an objection by the house owner.

The council would refurbish the house before selling it. The property has been empty for about four years and its condition has deteriorated. Applications to build houses on land behind number 21 were submitted in 1992 and 1993 but were refused, mainly on the grounds that the schemes would create extra traffi c on Pasture Lane.

Coun Vickerman said: "The situation is a lot worse now than when we first got these plans."

"The applicants know 21 Pasture Lane has to come down to make the development go ahead."

He added: "It's my view this property has been left to go into disrepair."

But Councillor Pauline McCormick argued: "We have someone willing to do something with this house. We have lots of properties in disrepair where there are no owners. There are better places to spend this money."

Colin Dawes, managing director of Standel Dawman, was bitter about his treatment by councillors.

He said he was considering improving the property and selling it and dropping the whole new homes plan. "What was done by those councillors was based on wrong doings and untruths," said Mr Dawes. "They didn't get their facts right.

"The house is dilapidated but the structure is sound and it could be done up easily. I'm sorry if the neighbours think we've let it get into disrepair but I'm prepared to do it up myself and sell it, instead of letting the council CPO it."

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