PLANS have been lodged for 17 new homes on the site of the old Darwen allotments.

Blackburn-based firm Hearle Homes has lodged an application with Blackburn with Darwen Council proposing the development.

A provisional deal to sell the land – which was home to the former Tower View Day Centre as well as allotments and garages, was agreed in June.

Now the new development has taken a step forward.

Council bosses said they had to sell the land to help meet the government’s housing requirement targets approved in the local plan.

The new estate will be made up of 12 three-bedroom semi detached houses and five detached houses of four or more bedrooms.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application reads: "The existing site has been identified in the Local Plan for housing and forms part of a wider housing opportunity within the area.

"The proposed development seeks to provide an attractive range of residential house types which will create a positive addition to the local character and identity of the area.

"The scheme comprises of a mixture of semi-detached three bed dwellings and detached four bed dwellings with garages and off road parking reflecting the demand within the local area for family housing.

"The proposal intends to create a quality and desirable development. Close proximity to local services and excellent transport connections make this site a justified and viable location to attract aspiring families.

"The proposed scheme has been designed with the immediate site context in mind which sensibly reflects and responds to the neighbouring dwellings.

"The proposed development looks to deliver 17 high quality units to meet local demand in a desirable location, with excellent transport links to all of the key urban centres and local facilities and schools."

In a report detailing the sale of the site earlier this year, borough regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: "The council’s local plan sets a housing requirement to meet over the 15 year plan period.

"Development of the site will contribute to meeting this target and assist in improving the quality of the borough’s housing offer.

"The sale and subsequent development of the site will generate a capital receipt and will attract new homes bonuses and council tax for 16 – 20 new homes."