A FURTHER chunk of open land on the outskirts of a town centre is to be sold for housing by an East Lancashire local authority.

The 1.55 acres off Charter Street, Accrington, will be used to build 58 affordable homes.

Hyndburn Council's housing boss Cllr Kath Pratt has recommended the authority's cabinet on Wednesday to approve the sale in principle for £217,000.

Nearby land is already being developed for new housing including Buildings for Humanity's 3D printed eco-homes scheme for 36 flats and 10 houses for military veterans and homeless people.

A report from Cllr Pratt for Wednesday's meeting says: "I recommend that cabinet gives in principle approval to the disposal of the land at Charter Street at open market value of £217,000 subject to the outcome of the council’s advertisement of its intention to dispose of public open space.

"In 1980 the council acquired 14 acres, or thereabouts, of land at Charter Street, Accrington, from British Railways Board.

"A number of disposals have taken place over the years predominantly to housing associations for the residential developments known as Howard Close and The Copse.

"Since 2019 the council has considered the disposal of the land at Charter Street for residential development and has had initial discussions with a number of developers.

"An offer has been received from a reputable house builder to acquire the site with the intention to develop in the region of 58 units on the land.

"Subject to the necessary planning consent being obtained, it is currently anticipated that the accommodation will be 100 per cent affordable housing.

"The developable area of the site is 1.55 acres and has been valued by the council at £217,000 - market value for unrestricted residential development.

"The prospective purchaser has accepted this valuation and wishes to proceed on this basis.

"The site can be considered public open space and therefore the council will follow the requirements of the Local Government Act 1972, by advertising its intention to sell the land, and, before making a decision to proceed with the proposed sale, will consider any objections to the proposed disposal which may be made.

"The council could choose at this stage not to agree in principle to the disposal of the site, however, this could mean forgoing an opportunity to provide affordable new housing "It should be further noted that the site has suffered from fly grazing in the past and therefore a decision not to proceed with the disposal could lead to future unauthorised occupation."