A BID to build 30 new homes on derelict land in Burnley would provide a major boost for the area, according to a former borough council leader.

An outline for the extra properties, between Melrose Avenue and Kinross Street, is set to be explained to residents later this month.

But Cllr Gordon Birtwistle, who represents the Coalclough with Deerplay ward, believes the Calico-backed venture should greatly improve the area.

The housing landlord, which is already close to completing the redevelopment of the Primrose Mill site in Briercliffe, is staging a public consultation over the proposals on November 29 at Venice Street Community Centre.

Cllr Birtwistle said: "The land has been empty and derelict for 25 years, when all the old houses were demolished.

"It's been a waste of good land so if they are going to build new homes there then I would welcome it.

"It would be really good for the area and might solve our problems with fly-tipping in that area.

"As a local councillor I'm always getting reports of things being dumped there.

"Once we even had a 40-ton articulated lorry emptying its load there."

Funding from the Homes and Communities Agency would be deployed to make the mini-estate of two and three bedroom houses and a bungalow possible.

An upgrade of various properties in the Hargher Clough area, costing £1.6million, was recently finished by the Centenary Court based company.

Gary Rooke, Calico's development project manager, said: "Melrose Avenue is an area we want to invest in, and these new houses will perfectly complement the recent renovation work our investment team has carried out in the community.

"It's vitally important that local residents are involved in any development process, and we are keen to work alongside them to ensure they can have their say on any decisions that will affect them."

If the reaction is favourable from the public display, which will take place from 3pm to 6pm, then a planning application is expected shortly.

And if this passed through the borough's development control process without opposition, work could begin on site as early as next March.