BUILDING work will start next month on a new 69 homes housing estate near an Oswaldtwistle Primary school.

The multi-million pound development on land off Thwaites Road is expected to see the first properties completed and occupied by October.

Developer Persimmon Homes have christened the estate of two, three and four bedroom houses near White Ash Primary School 'The Shires'.

So far 65 prospective buyers have registered an interest in the unbuilt properties which will be released for sale shortly.

The total investment in the estate runs into millions of pounds including £116,000 towards new sports pitches in Knuzden or Rhyddings park.

The development includes 28 three-bed homes and 27 four-bed properties for sale and three two-bed properties and 11 three-bed homes for social housing rental.

Diane Finch, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes Lancashire, said: “We are thrilled that we will be able to offer the first properties in this popular town this Spring when we plan to open our sales office.

"The level of interest from prospective buyers has already shown us how much demand there is in this area, so we can’t wait to start helping local people into their new homes.

“This location is close to superb local amenities and schools, and is ideal for commuters travelling on the M65 to Preston or the other direction towards Colne.

“Buyers reserving the first properties off-plan will have the pick of the plots."

Fourteen objections were made against the development over environmental parking and traffic fears before the scheme was approved by Hyndburn Borough Planning Committee in September.