A BROAD welcome has been given to ambitious proposals which could see some of Blackburn's most deserving regeneration areas overhauled for up to 200 new family homes.

Parts of the cleared Griffin estate have doubled for 1970s Belfast by film-makers - and have been used by fledgling director Aaron Dunleavy as the backdrop for his gritty critically-acclaimed short feature Throw Me To The Dogs.

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But plans are now being advanced by the borough council to build between 100 and 135 houses between Bank Top and Redlam, Shakespeare Way, Norman Street and Hardman Street.

Cllr Andy Kay, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for resources, said in a report that the Griffin scheme alone could yield £834,748 in New Homes Bonus and generate £144,107 in extra council tax.

Cllr Jim Smith, who represents the area, said: "This will be absolutely welcome and bring up the whole neighbourhood.

"Griffin was once a good area, for many years, but it has been affected by the state of the housing locally.

"It's just a pity that the government put a stop to the Housing Market Renewal programme before this work could be completed previously."

Councillors have been told that so far 160 properties have been acquired by the borough, with only five remaining to purchase before the three neighbouring sites are fully assembled.

Land in Griffin will be offered to would-be developers alongside a clearance site in the Infirmary area, off Highfield Road, including the old Alaska Street, Unity Street and William Street.

While the housing market is still said to be 'weak', it is believed that promoting a 'package' deal, would prove attractive to housebuilders.

Cllr Faryad Hussain, who represents Queens Park ward, said: "There are some streets around there which have been awaiting development and I welcome anything which will bring investment into my ward."

An estimated £417,374 could be coming to the borough, under the New Homes Bonus, based on 60 homes being constructed, with council tax returns of approximately £67,000.

Council housing bosses have been given the go-ahead to undertake a formal procurement exercise through the Homes and Communities Agency, which operates a panel for development partners.