WORK on the first phase of a major housing regeneration scheme in Burnley is set to start in the next few weeks.

Housing bosses at Burnley Council have signed over a site in Oswald Street to Gleeson Homes for the development of 50 new houses.

It is the first of three housing schemes in the Daneshouse and Stoneyholme area that will be a major boost for the redevelopment of the area.

The first batch of homes are set to be completed and offered for sale by the end of the year. They are being sold for between £88,995 and £160,995.

Coun Peter McCann, executive member for housing and development for Burnley Council, said: “This is great news for the town, and shows our commitment to new housing in Burnley.

“The fact that our planned developments continue to happen is due to the dedication of the council in doing what we said we would do – improving housing across the town for the people of Burnley.

“We may have less funding following government decisions but one of our key priorities remains new, affordable homes for the people of Burnley, and a better offer for those moving into the area.”

The other sites in Abel Street and Barden Lane/New Hall Street are almost ready for handover, which will mean that the construction of more than 100 homes for private sale will follow in the coming months.”

Linda Matura, Gleeson sales manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we will be starting to sell new homes in early March with construction starting at the same time.

“The first completions of these family homes, designed for local people, will be in the middle of the year.

“The council has been a delight to work with and we are looking forward to providing new homes for local people in Burnley for many years to come.”