A row of terraces that were destroyed after a ferocious fire ripped through the back gardens are to be demolished.

In April last year, eight fire engines were called to the blaze at the back of homes in Worcester Road, Blackburn, with plumes of smoke visible across town in Pleasington.

Surrounding streets were cordoned off as police and firefighters aimed to make the area safe.

Luckily no-one was injured, but the fire service launched a detailed investigation as to the cause of the fire, which is believed to have spread quickly via plastic fencing around the gardens.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Several of the homes affected were owned by social landlord Together Housing, who last month lodged an application with Blackburn with Darwen Council seeking permission to demolish the homes.

However, following a planning committee meeting last week, councillors revealed no prior planning permission was needed for the demolition.

A decision statement from the council reads: "Blackburn With Darwen Borough Council, as local planning authority, hereby confirm that prior approval is not required for the proposed development, and in accordance with the information that the developer provided to the local planning authority.

Lancashire Telegraph:

"Subject to the following conditions - that development is carried out within a period of five years from the date on which the local planning authority were given the information referred to above."

MORE: ‘Utter devastation’: Aftermath of fire which caused extensive damage to row of houses

The back gardens to the seven properties, which overlooked a communal square, were destroyed and the fire spread to the houses causing extensive damage to the kitchens and bedrooms.

At one corner of the estate the roof collapsed and a vast amount of smoke damage could be seen in all of the properties.

The ferocity of the fire turned a tree to cinder and a trampoline melted, while a fence separating the homes had melted on to the grass.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Temporary accommodation – including putting some residents up in hotels – was found for everyone who needed it, and at the time, Together Housing said it would continue to work with residents to provide support to meet any ongoing housing needs.

Mechanical demolition of the seven houses is expected to take place using an excavator, with footing and floor slabs to be removed and the site left clear of obstructions.

Work is due to begin on June 27 with completion estimated for August 5. 

A full planning application to rebuild on the site is expected to be submitted to the council at a later date.

A spokesperson for Together Housing said: "The outcome of the investigation concluded it was an accidental external fire; all the residents affected have been rehoused.

"We are considering our options for the site and will be talking to residents and our strategic partners soon to influence our thoughts.”