PLANS for new affordable homes on the site of a former school have been approved.

Great Places has been granted permission for 24 new homes on land at Bowen Street in Mill Hill, Blackburn, as part of a scheme worth £3.3 million.

The site was formerly home to St Peter’s primary school, which closed in 2008 as bosses moved to a new site in nearby Hawkins Street.

All homes would be for affordable rent and let.

The scheme is the latest for the firm in Mill Hill as Great Places looks to expand its portfolio.

Great Places is also investing heavily across East Lancashire including another £3.3million investment programme at Bowland House in Blackburn and £7.4million to build 53 new homes for affordable rent in Oswaldtwistle.

Speaking against the proposal, Stuart Fairbrother, who lives nearby, said: "We have serious concerns about parking with the school.

"It's already over-crowded and people block you in to drop children off.

"It will be an even bigger problem when these properties get built.

"We are not saying we don't want this development but we are asking if there's another way of doing it to make it better for people who already live there."

Cllr Jim Casey said: "I know the area and actually went to the school. There is a need for social housing in Mill Hill.

"People are queuing up to move into the borough and I know the ward councillors support this application.

"It's a site that has been empty for some time and this will be good for the area."

Cllr Jacqui Slater added: "Every school has parking problems but we went on a planning visit and there weren't any cars there.

"It's a good scheme and much needed in Mill Hill."

Helen Spencer, director of development for Great Places, said: “As an organisation, we are going above and beyond to help solve the housing crisis.

“We have a strong presence in Mill Hill with almost 1,000 properties in the area and this scheme will continue in our commitment to offer much-needed quality and affordable housing.

“Blackburn’s housing market is transforming with the amount of activity and we are delighted to be part of this journey and bring more investment to the town.”