A LANDMARK crescent at a regeneration project in Burnley could be named in memory of a community campaigner who championed his neighbourhood’s cause.

The late Brian Fenn, of Burnley Wood Action Group, was a tireless advocate for the district before his tragic death two years ago.

Plans for the first phase of a major overhaul for Burnley Wood, centring on land between Branch Road, Brunswick Street, Clarence Street and Oxford Road, will go before the borough’s development control committee next Thursday.

And local councillor Jeff Sumner revealed that efforts were being made to remember Mr Fenn’s contribution to the Elevate-backed scheme. Coun Sumner said: “It is just a shame that Brian will not be around to see it all come to fruition.

“There is going to be a selection of three and four bedroom homes, which should encourage families back to Burnley Wood.

“This will improve the uptake at the local primary school, which has been affected and the new homes will be beneficial for the shops as well.

“It will be a matter of rebuilding the community and I am just pleased that the developer, Keepmoat, has stuck with us and come up with these proposals.”

Under the new scheme Keepmoat want to construct 121 houses, on a 2.6 hectare site, which would involve the demolition of 85 properties currently occupying the land.

Several enhancements are being made to Burnley Wood Park, though some land to the southeast corner will be lost by the creation of the new crescent, at the edge of the new estate.

A number of the open spaces, created by previous demolition work, have been hit by incidents where cars have been set on fire and fly-tipping has occurred.

The district has seen smaller schemes, such as the eight homes set to be built on the corner of Hufling Lane and Sussex Street but the proposals represent the first major phase of Burnley Wood’s redevelopment.

Keepmoat is also the council’s partner in another phased scheme, either side of Cog Lane, behind Accrington Road.

The first homes are being built there and planning permission is being sought for a second phase.

Funding for the new homes will come, in part, from the Government’s Kickstart prog-ramme, which relies on planning permissions being secured before the end of the 2009-2010 financial year.