THE owner of a controversial caravan site is now seeking to build a ‘unique’ house there.

John Loveridge has applied for planning permission for the four-bedroomed home on the former Lawnmower Specialists site in Sandy Lane, Lower Darwen.

His previous proposals in 2014 to put four caravans plus a shower and toilet block on the site caused a storm of protest, and was refused by councillors in March 2015 - a decision confirmed by a government inspector.

Blackburn with Darwen Council planning officials approved a scaled back proposal for a private residential caravan site comprising of one static and three touring caravans and an amenity building in December 2016.

Now Mr Loveridge has submitted new plans for a house on the site to the borough.

Documents supporting the application say: “The proposal includes the construction of a single dwelling house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms with a large open place living and kitchen area on the site.

“The dwelling with have private garden space to front and rear with car parking for two cars.

“The proposals include for a private patio and garden space. The proposed dwelling will provide bedroom accommodation on the first and upper floors.

“The garden wraps around the rear of the property.

“The applicant is committed to delivering a high-quality development and this is reflected in the appearance of the dwelling.

“The scheme proposals have had regard to and respond positively to the site’s opportunities and constraints and allow for the character and appearance of the area to be enhanced through the delivery of a unique housing development.

“The application proposals utilise materials and design features found within the residential street scene to ensure character and appearance is maintained.

“It is proposed to use brick and grey tiles to the roof reflects the slate nature of a number of properties located in the locality. The front elevation is treated with large windows which not only enable natural light to penetrate the dwelling but also provides a striking and modern elevation to the building."