A FLY-TIPPING hotspot which was once home to a ‘plague of flies’ could be set to be converted into a business site.

The former Bury Meadow Farm in Nook Lane, Oswaldtwistle, has been empty since 2006 and has had problems with anti-social behaviour, most notably large fly-tipping in 2012.

Plans have now been submitted by CRS Demolition, based in Coach Road, Accrington, for a stonemasonry on the site.

Councillors have spoken out in favour of the plans which they think will help prevent anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Glen Harrison, who represents the town on Hyndburn Council, said: “That area has had quite a problem with flies at the site.

“It’ll be good to get the stone cutters in, it will bring some surveillance to the area to stop the incidents as well as new business.

“It’s been a bit of a hot spot for fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour over the years, so it’s definitely good news.

If plans are approved the site will operate from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, and will house a selection of stone cutting equipment.

The site formed part of Cocker Chemicals, then Clariant Chemicals, before closing in 2006.

The Environment Agency was forced to look into enforcement action after clearing 4,000 bales of illegally-tipped waste near the Nook Lane site which caused a ‘plague of flies’ in 2012.

It was also hit by arson attempts in January and August of that year.

A planning statement issued on behalf of the applicant said it will help a ‘vulnerable location’.

It said: “Many local people were pleased of the closure given the environmental and health impacts of the site.

“The building on site is in a poor state of repair and is need of general repair and maintenance.

“The site has suffered from fly-tipping and arson in 2012."