Eyesore homes on Mitton Road, Whalley, to be demolished

The boarded-up derelict houses are situated along Mitton Road in Whalley – one of the main routes into the village and among the first things seen by visitors coming to the area.

Now the rows of terraced properties are to be knocked down to make way for a new housing estate, despite several concerns raised during the planning process.

Permission to demolish the 34 homes and gardens and to start work on a new 50 house development was obtained by Prospect Homes.

Nigel Yates, managing director, said: “As a house builder we are thrilled to be regenerating this piece of land.

"It will give this part of Mitton Road a much-needed face lift and bringing high quality energy efficient homes to Whalley.

“In addition to our focus on quality and a passion for detail, we are introducing an exciting new opportunity with brand new designs and layouts and new house types which feature an uplifted elevation.

“With only 50 homes, in a sought-after rural location, with great links to public transport, we know this is going to be a very popular development.”

Despite the mostly mutual agreement that something needed to be done to the plot of land, several people fiercely objected to the 50 home proposal – stating increased traffic, the environment and a lack of affordable housing in the area as concerns.

The derelict homes currently on the site had previously been used by workers at the nearby Calderstones Hospital and the majority of which had been deemed "affordable".

However plans for the new development reveal the intention to build just a handful of affordable homes as part of the new proposal – angering many.

One resident also spoke about how knocking the homes down could have a negative impact on wildlife in the area.

Another resident proposed renovating the derelict homes rather than knocking them down and starting again.

They said: “Instead of demolishing the existing houses, why not renovate them?

"The rooves all look in good shape, so we could presume the houses are in relatively good state, having been built to last longer in those days.

“It would not cost a lot, and could make some money, to make them look really nice with existing gardens.”

Another added: “I strongly object to this planning application.

"The houses already there do not need replacing, they are solidly built of Accrington brick and once renovated would make desperately needed affordable housing for first time buyers or young families.

“Whalley has a heritage which should be respected and does not need more detached so called 'executive' houses, it is already overdeveloped and in danger of becoming one big sprawling housing estate.”

Work is expected to start on the site in the coming weeks.