THE first phase of a multi-million pound development of more than 600 family homes on the edge of a town is set to get the go-ahead tonight.

Councillors have been recommended by officers to approve the building of 383 new properties on land to the north and south of Fishmoor Drive and East of Roman Road in South-East Blackburn.

The development by Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd and Together Housing Group on three sites is the first stage of developing more than 600 family homes over 48 acres opened up by the £6.8million scheme to widen Haslingden Road and build a new highway linking Blackamoor Road with Roman Road across fields near Fishmoor Reservoir.

A planning officers' report to Thursday night's meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Planning Committee says: "Detailed assessment establishes that the proposed development corresponds with the council’s overarching housing growth strategy. Delivery of a high-quality housing development is assured

"Approval of the application will secure a much-anticipated and aspirational regeneration of the Fishmoor Area, offering highly significant economic, environmental and social benefits, including but not limited to quality mixed tenure housing (social rented, shared ownership and outright sale) which will widen the choice of family homes in the borough."

The committee will consider 12 objection from residents of Thornton Close over loss of privacy and light, traffic problems, and impact on wildlife.

Conservative spokesman Cllr Paul Marrow said: "It is a piece of land that needs development. It seems a decent proposal."