DOZENS of new homes could be built in Accrington if plans are approved.

An application by Gleeson Homes to build 46 houses on land off Miller Fold Avenue is to be determined by Hyndburn Council’s planning committee next week.

Officers have recommended committee members grant permission for the development to go ahead.

Just five letters of objection were sent to the council citing fears over increased traffic, loss of a public right of way, loss of open views and damage to the environment.

The site put forward for redevelopment is currently vacant, consisting of rough grassland with border hedging and trees.

The land was previously a landfill site but has not been used for many years.

Gleeson focuses solely in building low cost homes for people on low incomes in areas of industrial decline and social and economic deprivation.

A report to go before the committee on Wednesday states: "In assessing this application, the policies of the development plan and other relevant local and national policy considerations have been taken into account.

"Officers consider that the proposal meets with the relevant planning policy in relation to traffic and highway safety, design, scale and layout, housing mix, affordable housing,

residential amenity and open space.

"However they do not consider that it meets with policy in relation to biodiversity net gain or housing standards as detailed within the report.

"The lack of mitigation in relation to biodiversity net gain weighs significantly against the development.

"On balance however, officers are satisfied with the development and recommend it for approval."

If permission is granted, Gleeson will be required to stump up £30,000 for ecology, £15,000 towards public open space and a further £5,750 for bin provision.

The new estate would consist of 17 two-bedroom homes and a further 29 three-bedroom properties.

A Gleeson Homes spokesman said: "The company’s success is born out of a thorough understanding of its customer’s needs and balancing aspiration with affordability.

"Gleeson’s management team has specialist knowledge of all aspects of regeneration and a combined experience of over 150 years of buildings and selling low cost homes.

"Gleeson’s homes are priced so that they can be afforded by 90 per cent of local couples in full time employment.

"In the Yorkshire region, 75 per cent of customers who have purchased a home from Gleeson between July 2015 and 2016, have been first time buyers.

"The site is a residential allocation where applications for residential development should be approved subject to detailed design matters.

"It is a highly sustainable location within walking distance of Accrington town centre. It adjoins residential development and represents an under-used previously developed site within the urban area."