A DECAYING former sheltered housing scheme in Darwen will be knocked down and the site redeveloped after plans were given the go-ahead.

Bosses at Twin Valley Homes had submitted a proposal to build 14 new dwellings on the site of Ashton House in Ashton Road.

The plans, which have been given the green light by Blackburn with Darwen Council, will see six bungalows and eight flats built on the site, which will all be affordable housing.

Ashton House was closed last year as Twin Valley opened its new Willow Gardens facility in Union Street.

A spokesman for planning agents Michael Dyson Associates said: “This scheme shows that the currently redundant site can contribute positively to the overall character of the area.”

Marsh House ward councillor John Roberts said: “I am really pleased this is going ahead. There will be some disruption for residents in the short term but it will be worth it in the long term to get rid of that blight on the estate which, in recent times, has caused an increase in criminal behaviour. The new properties will be a real plus for the local community.”