PROPOSALS to redevelop a long-vacant industrial site in Blackburn into 60 homes have been resurrected.

The scheme would turn an irregular 4.4 acre parcel of land in Queen Victoria Street, Mill Hill, into an estate of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses.

The plan for the former Lethbridge’s Scrap Yard was originally approved in July 2013 despite objections from some nearby residents – but was never actually built.

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Now, site owner Ted Lethbridge has resubmitted the proposal for the homes North of Mill Hill railway station and close to the areas resource centre.

The scheme involves 60 properties made up of detached and semi-detached three and four-bedroomed homes and some terraced houses with two road links to Queen Victoria Street and a separate pedestrian access.

It also includes a play area.

The application will be decided by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Planning and Highways Committee on Thursday.

A report to councillors by officers says the irregular-shaped parcel of land is unlikely to be developed for other purposes. Mill Hill councillor Damian Talbot said: “I supported this application last time.

“It is a former large scrapyard which has hardly been used for 20 years and I would rather see it developed than left empty with all the potential problems that can cause.

“I can’t see it having an industrial use and would like to see the estate built sooner rather than later.”

Mr Lethbridge’s agent Antonio Caparelli of Clitheroe firm Janet Dixon Town Planners said: “This is an ideal regeneration opportunity for an underused, vacant site which has the capacity to accommodate high-quality residential units, some of which will be affordable.

Planning officers have recommended approval for the scheme subject to the installation of a new pedestrian crossing on nearby New Chapel Street.