PLANS to build 36 new houses in Blackburn have been approved.

The properties will be built on vacant land at Fosse Close, which was last used as social housing flats which were demolished by Places for People in 1998.

Places for People considered three options for development, with options for 24 houses and 27 houses rejected by the developers.

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A spokesman for the developers said: “Places for People have carried out in depth financial appraisals of the three options for development and concluded that option one is the only financially viable option.

“The detailed financial analysis has been shared with officers of the council during pre-application.

“In summary the full development of 36 units achieves a small surplus. The 24 unit scheme would produce a deficit of £88,817.

“The planted belt is dense and near to the public footpath on Newfield Drive. It is considered that it could be a hazard and a deterrent to people wanting to use the footpath to access the estate.

“Its development would create a gateway into the estate that was safe and well overlooked.”

The development will feature one and two storey semi-detached properties, with one detached home.