‘DIRE’ housing levels in Accrington could be helped by new plans to build up to 50 homes at a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

Plans have been submitted to Hyndburn Council for the site off Hopwood Street.

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Cllr Munsif Dad, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said he welcomed the plans at the site which was plagued by ‘anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping’.

He said: “The housing shortage is dire around here, and anything that would help fix that is a good thing.

“The site has been completely vacant for years, and it’s a site where there is an issue for anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. There are often people hanging round there.”

The proposed site has been home to a vacant overgrown field for many years.

It was earmarked for residential development in 1988 but no homes have been built.

The plans have been submitted by Mr S Holden, from Cherry Tree, Blackburn, through the applicant ‘The Intelligent Design Centre’ The design and access statement for the plans states: “The design will aim to make best use of the outstanding views out from the site over Accrington and beyond.

“It is understood that the site was earmarked for residential development in 1988 however, no development ensued.

“The applicant is now looking to resurrect this land use and the subsequent works will greatly enhance a low value area of land, create greater security and provide an excellent environment for housing.

“In addition, the ongoing employment opportunities that this exciting and much needed development will realise will enhance the surrounding area for years to come.”

Cllr Diane Fielding, who also represents the area, said: “New houses would be welcomed with open arms by everyone in the area.”

It is understood that the houses would primarily be made from stone, render and slate, and the properties would look similar to houses recently constructed in Blackburn Road.

The scheme will incorporate a maximum of 50 homes of two, three and four bedrooms.