THE next step to building a controversial new £3million road through Darwen has been taken.

The planning application for the Darwen East Distributor Road has now been submitted, paving the way for construction to start in the autumn and be completed in 2019.

The final plans for the new highway has been condemned by Marsh House Tory Cllr Neil Slater and Sudell Liberal Democrat Cllr Roy Davies who have said it will cause more problems than it solves.

They dispute the view of Blackburn with Darwen Council that the road will reduce traffic congestion in the area and on the A666 between Bolton and Blackburn.

The new scheme, which aims to serve 350 new homes on Bailey’s Field, is part of the East Darwen Development Corridor plan put together planners after a consultation.

The application, to be considered by the council's planning and highways committee later this year, will limit speeds to 30mph and includes traffic calming measures.

It will run between Marsh House Lane and Ivinson Road.

Cllr Davies said: “This remains an unnecessary road to nowhere nobody wants.

“It will just be a rat run for traffic avoiding the A666 and cause unnecessary traffic congestion and noise.”

Cllr Slater said: “This is not so much a road to nowhere but a road to chaos.

“Residents do not want it and I am totally opposed to it.

“If it is to serve the Bailey’s Field housing development why do they not stop it at Tower View rather than connect it to Marsh House Lane making it an access road with a dead end?”

Cllr Phil Riley, the council's regeneration boss, said: “We have been given the money for this scheme and have to build it within two years.

“The road will reduce congestion on the A666 which already annoys residents.”

The plan includes improved junctions between the A666, Watery Lane and Grimshaw Street and between Ivinson Road and Moor Lane with mini-roundabouts in Priory Drive.