A DECISION following a public inquiry into council plans to buy up an eyesore former care home has been delayed.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses remain confident their attempt to buy up the old Laneside care home by compulsory purchase order will go in their favour.

The old Laneside facility in Shorrock Lane, Mill Hill, Blackburn, has been empty for more than 10 years and the council hopes to bring the site back into use as affordable housing.

The council began the compulsory purchase order process last year but was met with opposition by landowners Oriental Developments Limited.

A public inquiry was held in February and Blackburn with Darwen Council executive member for regeneration, Cllr Phil Riley, said last month he was optimistic the decision would go in the local authority’s favour, clearing the path for the site to be redeveloped.

Cllr Riley said: "With Laneside, we are hopeful that the planning inspector will support our case. It will be pretty amazing if he doesn't."

Vandals have repeatedly torched the building in recent years with fire bosses calling for the home to be demolished.

The three-storey building has 60 rooms and firefighters said the number of deliberate blazes was putting crews and the public in danger.

There has also been a series of break-ins, leading to smashed doors, graffiti and other damage.

The Planning Inspectorate has advised that a decision will now be made around April 23.