A PLAN to build 87 new homes on the site of the former Vernon Carus Mill, in Hoddlesden, is set to be approved, despite a large amount of opposition from residents.

The proposal comes after the site in Johnson New Road was deemed unsuitable for employment uses after it was demolished in 2009 following a major fire.

The development has been deemed beneficial for meeting the housing needs of the area, but residents have complained about an abundance of other issues it would create.

Many have insisted that the inevitable amount of traffic in the area would create loud noise.

Paul and Janet Greenhalgh said in a letter to the council: “There will undoubtedly be an increase in noise levels generally and, as the proposed entrance is planned to be immediately opposite our garden, this noise level will be severely intensified as vehicles turn into and out of the development.”

Professor Dyer, of Bayne Street, said: “Car headlights, gear changes and loud music will interfere with our sleep. There is virtually no traffic on this road at night at present.

“Johnson New Road is a narrow road with two almost blind bends, and these properties would produce a considerable increase in the number of vehicles using the road.”

There have also been concerns surrounding sewage, wildlife and the over-subscription of the local primary school, St Paul’s.

Jane Martin, a planning consultant from applicants Sterling Property Co Ltd, has claimed the development will bring life to a site that has been vacant for a long time.

She said: “We have been working closely with the council for some time now and the development is really about regeneration for an area that has been empty and vacant for over ten years now.

“People may know that the area was subject to fly tipping not so long ago as well, and this will stop that kind of activity.”

The 87 dwellings are set to include 49 semi-detached three-bedroom houses, ten detached four-bedroom houses and six two-bedroom flats, along with a couple of apartment blocks.

Three areas of open space have also been proposed and vehicle access will be off Johnson New Road.

Council officers recommendation for approval of the scheme will be discussed by Blackburn with Darwen borough planning committee on Thursday night.