COUNCIL bosses have invited private developers to build on the site of a former care home.

The site in Salisbury Road, Darwen, had once housed Greenways care home, a residential premises for old and infirm residents, but fell into disrepair and become a target for vandals after its closure in 2013

The closure was part of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s shake-up of elderly care which saw its four borough-run homes close to save cash and allow modern, privately-run developments to take their place.

The site was demolished in 2015 and had been earmarked by a developer for a state-of-the-art unit for short-term rehabilitation stays and some specialist dementia services.

Chairman of the planning and highways committee Cllr David Smith said financial changes to social care funding meant the developer had problems putting together the necessary financing package and lost interest.

Cllr Smith said he and other Darwen town councillors were concerned that the process was being dragged out so made the decision to dispose of the land for housing development.

He said: “The site had fallen into disrepair and had become a target for vandals and impacting negatively on the overall area.

“The fencing is regularly being damaged, incurring replacement costs and ongoing maintenance.

“After three years, we have decided the site should be sold for private building.

“It’s a nice area and a nice spot for housing so hopefully a builder will come forward.”

The site could accommodate up to ten houses, and although recent housing developments in Darwen have met with resistance, Cllr Smith said new housing would be welcome in the area.

He said: “It’s a popular residential area near to amenities, shops and woodland.

“Subject to planning permission,

“The site is in a good residential area in the Sunnyhurst ward and, subject to planning permission, would make a nice residential development site for small local builders.

“Development of the site will enhance the locality, create a more attractive place within the immediate vicinity and provide aspiring families with greater choice and quality of new homes.

“There is a demand for good quality family housing and the site could accommodate up to 10 new houses.”

Darwen Mayor Roy Davies said he was glad to hear the site would be used.

He said: “I can’t disagree with what they’re trying to do, it’s in a good area.”

“It’s just a shame that it’s not an old people’s home that’s being built, because that’s what is needed.

“We are all living a lot longer so we need to be promoting old people’s care as it’s something we will probably all need at some point.”