COUNCILLORS hope plans to turn a former school site regularly targeted by arsonists and vandals into housing will provide a positive community impact on the area.
A planning application has been submitted for the former Ridgewood Community High School site, in March Street to be converted into 24 three bedroom properties.
The school was targeted by arsonists in July 2013 and residents called for community to use the site to deter anti social behaviour.
Cllr Shah Hussain, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said the plans should been seen as a positive development.
He said: “As long as some of the open spaces are being kept available for community to use it will be a good thing. If they are developing on the outline of the school I can only see it as a positive move.
“The big question is will it meet the needs of the community with the development? It’s a nice part of the area surrounded by a lot of greenery.
“I’d urge the developers to speak to the community to find out what they need, if they are going to benefit from it. “
The application was submitted by planning agents Cassidy and Ashton Group Ltd on behalf of Lancashire County Council.
The plan also states that a total of 48 car parking spaces will be introduced for the properties.
Cllr Hussain said he is wary that any homes built must meet the target market.
He said: “There have been some properties that have been built but then have been really slow to sell.
“If it is appropriate then brilliant, it would be nice to see it go ahead and be a success.”
Ridgewood Community High School shut its March Street site doors in 2009.
Following the fire in 2013, the county council faced calls from the community to let the space be used by community groups.
A spokesman from Cassidy and Ashton Group Ltd said in planning documents submitted to the council: “The aim of the proposed development is to provide a modern family development in a sustainable location, and to restore a vacant site which currently detracts from the appearance of the area.”
Cllr Wajid Khan said: “It’s heartening to know that people in Burnley are having the confidence to invest in unused and derelict buildings.”
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