AN ‘eyesore’ building which is said to have become a target for vandals could be demolished under new plans.

Residents living opposite Oakenhead Resource Centre, in Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, are sed to be fed up with people breaking into the building.

The building has stood empty for several years, but proposals have now been lodged for housing on the site.

Applicant B & E Boys Ltd has submitted plans to bulldoze the structure and build 20 houses on the site.

Under the bid, nine of the homes would have three bedrooms while eleven would have four bedrooms.

Also included in the plans is associated landscaping and car parking.

Cllr Steve Hughes, who represents the Longholme ward on Rossendale Council, said he was ‘undecided’ on the plans.

He said: “The applicants have been in contact with the three councillors in the area to initially share their thoughts on the scheme.

“I agree with the principle of a planning application to do something with the site.

“I know there are a lot of residents concerned though about traffic issues and parking problems, as there are two schools nearby, and they’re worried this development could add to that.”

“I completely understand there concerns around that and I’d encourage people to put forward their concerns if they’ve got them.

“You can’t get away from the fact that the site is an ideal location for a scheme of some sort, but whether this is the right scheme, I’m not so sure and am undecided.”

The vital centre for adults with learning disabilities closed as part of cost-cutting measures by Lancashire County Council.

Cllr Hughes added: “The building is in a bad state however.

“Residents living opposite have complained about vandalism and people breaking into it.

“The building has been empty for too long and there is a need to do something with it.”

Agent Beverley Moss, of Hourigan Connolly, acting on behalf of applicant B & E Boys Ltd, said: “This will be a really high quality development of family homes for the area.

“The development will be a chance to develop an eyesore and unsightly site that has been vacant for some time.

“The development will also be of real benefit for the street scene.”