PLANS have been lodged for 48 new affordable homes in Accrington, as part of the latest phase of a multi-million pound development.

The scheme, put together by Keepmoat Homes, would see 48 houses split across three small plots of land, off Lonsdale Street.

The area has seen significant development in recent years as part of the Project Phoenix scheme ­— a collaboration between Keepmoat and Hyndburn Council.

The site was formerly occupied by a mix of terraced dwellings, cleared housing sites and industrial and commercial units.

A Keepmoat spokesman said: “The proposed development is for 48 dwellings. A range of two, three and four-bedroom house types have been chosen having regard to local need and demand. All the house types are two storeys, with the exception of the Stratton house type which is 2.5 stories, made up of semi-detached or short terraces of three dwellings.

“In summary the proposals represent an opportunity to develop a previously developed site which would contribute towards regenerating the area and will have significant benefits in relation to environmental, social and economic considerations.

“We believe the proposal will ensure a positive design solution will be provided on the site whilst creating a distinctive built form and community neighbourhood which will tie-in with the earlier phases, to provide a much-needed new family housing in this part of Accrington.

“The scheme will enhance the character and appearance of the surrounding area to the benefit of the local community and provide prospective residents with first class living accommodation.”

The previous phase of the scheme saw 103 two, three, and four-bedroom houses, and bungalows built as part of the £40 million development.

The majority were sold privately, although 20 homes dotted throughout the development were set aside for social housing.

The first two phases of the scheme, the result of a partnership between Keepmoat Homes, Hyndburn Council, the Homes and Communities Agency, and the Great Places Housing Group, had already seen over 100 new homes built.

It has been lauded as an improvement in the west Accrington and Church neighbourhood, which has historically suffered from low demand for housing, abandonment, and deprivation.

Plans to build almost 375 new homes in the area were finalised in January 2010, with an emphasis placed on providing a range of “high quality, energy-efficient homes in a desirable neighbourhood”.

Plans were also put in place to create a £200,000 eight-acre public wildflower park next to the new homes, which was fenced off with mounds of earth to prevent travellers driving on to it until more housing is built.