A COUNCIL has started disposing of plots of commercial land on a flagship development site.

A joint venture between Blackburn with Darwen Council and Barnfield Construction is regenerating the land at Milking Lane Lower Darwen.

Last month it sold two plots to Cheshire-based Elan Homes for 76 new houses for several million pounds.

Now the company Barnfield Blackburn Ltd, has been authorised to start the disposal of Commercial Plots 1, 2 and 3 at the site, formerly the Lower Darwen Paper Mill and now named the Millbank Business Park.

Council regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley has authorised the start of negotiations for the sale of two of four commercial units off Greenbank Terrace to building services company Pilkington Bros and agreed the purchase by Brilie Properties Ltd of two further units of 10,000 and 15,000 square feet for letting.

Terms have also been agreed to let another unit of approximately 13,500 sq ft of manufacturing space to Bretherton Coachworks Ltd on a 15 year lease.

The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership awarded a £1.4million grant towards a link road between Milking Lane and Greenbank Terrace on the site near Junction 4 of the M65.