THIRTY new homes are to be built on land that families have been fighting to save for months.

The land, a community space in the Feniscliffe and Cherry Tree area has been approved for development by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The decision to build on the land has left many families in the area distraught as the green space has been described as a ‘vital part’ of their community.

Leigh Keen, spokesman for the Feniscliffe community group said: “The council have told us that they need to sell off the land for redevelopment.

“There is currently a derelict building on the site which they want to get rid of and they say the only way they can do that is to sell the whole site off- which shouldn’t need to be the case.”

A big concern for residents in the area is that the council have approved redevelopment for the land despite the fact they say it has been rated as the eighth highest community space out 119 spaces in the borough.

Mr Keen added: “They are ignoring their own supporting evidence to build on the land.

“This land is a vital part of our lives and they are taking it away with no consideration at all."

The decision to build on the green space has been made despite numerous objections from both the public and councillors prior to the planning meeting.

Speaking about the decision, Cllr Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The main thing to realise here is that we only gave principle planning permission last week for enough housing to be built that would allow us to remove the eyesore that is the derelict building that is currently on the site.”

Last-ditch attempt to save Feniscliffe and Cherry Tree ‘village’ green

Despite this, residents are still hopeful that they will get to keep some of their land. 

Mr Keen added: "This is not the end, it is just the beginning for the residents."