A £5,000 contribution to improving a memorial park must be made after plans for new homes were approved.

Burnley Council planners approved proposals to build 15 new homes on land at Springbank in West Street, Padiham.

And as part of the permission, developers must pay £5,000 towards improvements at Padiham’s memorial park before the first new home is occupied.

The site was formerly occupied by a day centre that has been demolished and is now partly under grass with expansive areas of hardstanding.

Three letters of objection to the scheme were received from people living nearby, as well as another two in favour but with some concerns.

Among the issues raised were the proposed access, loss of privacy, loss of trees and concerns over flooding.

Case officer Janet Filbin said: "The proposal would contribute to the supply of new housing within existing development boundaries at a sustainable location in the urban area of Padiham.

"The development is of an appropriate scale, massing and design to respect the existing local area and is adequately spaced to safeguard residential amenities.

"The proposal would comply with the development plan and there are no material considerations which outweigh this finding."

Agent Judith Douglas, of Judith Douglas Town Planning Ltd, said: "The site comprises the site of a former day care centre now demolished, its grounds and car park.

"On the southern portion of the site is an electricity sub-station and two lock-up garages. The site is gradually becoming overgrown.

"The proposed development is for fifteen houses including, six, three-bedroomed, twostorey semi-detached houses and nine, four-bedroomed, two-storey detached houses.

"These are within the settlement boundary of Padiham which is recognised as a key service centre and transport hub.

"The site has ready access to a wide range of service and facilities by foot cycle and public transport. The design reflects the townscape character of the area and provides family homes at a density appropriate to the area.

"The proposal complies with the requirements of the adopted local plan."