PLANS to transform a former school site that has been targeted by arsonists and vandals into housing has been approved.

Proposals for the old Ridgewood Community High School plot in March Street, Burnley, to be replaced by 24 homes has been accepted by borough council chiefs.

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The buildings were targeted by arsonists in July 2013 and residents called for community to use the site to deter anti social behaviour.

Ahead of the decision councillors for the area said that they hoped the plan would be a positive impact on the community.

The application was submitted in August by planning agents Cassidy and Ashton Group Ltd on behalf of Lancashire County Council. The buildings shut their doors in 2009 when the special-needs school moved to Eastern Avenue and were demolished in 2013.

Following the fire in 2013, the county council faced calls from the community to let the space be used by community groups.

Cllr Shah Hussain, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said: “I’m pleased that this development is going to go ahead because it’s making good use of vacant site that has had problems in the past.

“I would hope that it meets the needs of the community.

“I would also hope that in the future more green spaces are created in the area.

“The county council is behind the application and I hope that the right developers come on board the project.”

A spokesman from Cassidy and Ashton Group Ltd said in planning documents submitted to the council: “The site has been vacant for a number of years so the buildings had become a major health and safety concern.

“ The aim of the 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.

“The development represents an important opportunity to replace a vacant site with a modern residential scheme.”

The plan also includes 48 car parking spaces for the properties. It was approved by the council under delegated powers meaning that planning officers made the final decision instead being voted on by councillors.