A HOUSING developer has submitted plans to build 343 new homes of a controversial new highway.

The scheme is on two parcels of land totalling 44.5 acres off Ellison Fold Way in Darwen, once dubbed 'The Road to Nowhere'.

McDermott Homes want to build two, three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses'

Each property will have their own private gardens and parking.

The firm has submitted a planning application for the estate, including landscaping, on Bailey's Field to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Darwen East Liberal Democrat Cllr Roy Davies has expressed concern about the safety of the scheme in view of the presence of several old mineshafts on the site, which he first raised in March 2018, and its impact on the local road network.

The application document says: "The proposed scheme has been designed to provide an attractive scheme that is sympathetic to local area and character and create a sense of space upon arrival in the site.

"The access will be from the newly constructed Ellison Fold Way utilising the existing road junctions.

"The character area of the access roads creates a strong entrance to the site and will lead onto well landscaped, active street frontages with dwellings ascending and descending the contours to accommodate the topography.

"A small row of existing cottages currently served by Ellison Fold Lane are to be incorporated into the scheme and will provide an historical link and focal point to one of the green spaces within the site."

"The investigations have confirmed that there is a requirement for a remediation strategy for the site.

"The presence of eight mineshafts have been identified.

"All mineshafts identified within this site will be subject to a program of stabilisation and surface treatment to remove any potential hazardous instability which may occur within the future.

"All mineshafts should be provided with a suitably designed reinforced concrete cap."

Cllr Davies said: "I am still concerned about the number of old mineshafts on the site.

"I am also worried about the proposed developments impact on traffic and local roads as well as whether it will lead to more empty terraced homes in deprived areas of Darwen. There needs to be a contribution from the developer to local schools, GPs surgeries, play areas and open space."

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council's growth boss, said: "I am pleased that developers continue to be interested in the borough's housing market.This application will now be subject to the usual planning scrutiny."