PLANS to build 168 new homes on a major site have been given final approval.

A deal has been struck over land on Spring Meadows in Darwen in what housebuilders Persimmon Homes described as an “exciting opportunity” to develop the area.

John Roocroft, managing director of Persimmon Homes Lancashire, said: “This project will bring eagerly-anticipated homes for local people to a site which has already been identified as appropriate for residential development, creating an extension of the town centre.

“It is an exciting opportunity for us to deliver housing, jobs and amenities for Darwen, breathing economic life into the area and laying the foundations for a thriving new community.”

The project was approved by Blackburn with Darwen Council in October last year, despite safety concerns over uncapped mineshafts on the land.

Executive member for growth and development Cllr Phil Riley said: “I think the developments that are currently going on in that part of Darwen are producing homes that people want to buy.

“They are successful developers, and they’re giving the local people a much greater choice in their housing expectation.

"So we’re pleased that there’s another development coming on, which will further increase choice.

“The mine shafts are dealt with on legislation from the Coal Authority. There are very strict guidelines which developers have to follow.”

Having previously opposed the plans, the Coal Authority removed their objections shortly before they were approved by the council.

Persimmon said they would be starting work on the site as soon as possible.