A HOUSING estate is set to rise from the ashes of a fire-ravaged Bacup club.

Planners at Rossendale Council have recommended granting planning per-mission for 16 houses to be built on the site of the former Rockcliffe Club and playground.

Permission was originally given in June 2004, after the popular club burnt down earlier that year, for 14 semi-detached houses to be built on the corner of Rockcliffe Road and River Street.

But now Aspire Homebuilders Ltd wants to build two terraces each containing six houses and four semi-detached homes on the site.

In 1990 a development company built a first phase of bungalows which residents said created 'hell' for people living in the area, with people using the narrow roads as a 'rat-run'.

No objections have been sent to the council about the new development and planners believe it would bring with it major regeneration benefits for the area as a whole.

Brian Sheasby, develop-ment control team manager, said: "The burnt-out remains of the club-building not only detract from the appearance of the site, but the area surrounding it."

Planning chiefs are proposing a condition to ensure redevelopment takes place before the original timescale giving developers until 2009 to start building.

Mr Sheasby added: "I consider that the early re-development of this site will bring with it sufficient regeneration benefits for the site and surrounding area to warrant a permission.

"I am satisfied that the proposed development will improve the appearance of the area, without undue detriment for any neighbour."

The plans are to be discussed by councillors at tonight's development control meeting at Bacup Leisure Hall, Burnley Road, from 6.30pm.