A local authority is to sell a small parcel of open land to allow the long-awaited redevelopment of an 'eyesore' former factory to finally go-ahead.

The sale of the plot by Blackburn with Darwen Council to Gleeson Homes would enable its use to build family houses on the site of the former Kickers factory at Scotland Bank Mill.

The developer has told town hall officials that without the land in Ewood, Blackburn, its proposed development would not be financially viable.

The parcel of land off Heys Lane is currently council-owned and used by residents of nearby Scotland Bank Terrace as informal open space.

Gleeson Homes plan to build 40 affordable new properties to include two, three and four bed houses as well as provide replacement 'quality public open space'.

Blackburn with Darwen Council growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood has authorised the start of negotiations to sell it to the firm.

The plot has been vacant for more than a decade and several previous schemes to develop the Scotland Bank Mill site, including a controversial drugs rehabilitation village in 2012, have come to nothing.

In a report to colleagues Cllr Mahmood says: "Gleeson Homes have secured an option to purchase the Scotland Bank Mill site (previously known as the Kickers factory) located off Scotland Bank Terrace off Heys Lane.

"Gleeson intend to develop the site to provide family homes for sale.

"However, due to land contamination and abnormal costs the scheme is unviable for the number of homes which can be developed on it.

"Gleeson have carried out extensive financial assessments to reduce development costs (which have increased considerably over the last twelve months) but viability is still a challenge.

"They have little scope of increasing sales income as they are limited by the price level at which they can sell the new homes.

"On its own, the site is unviable and unlikely to be developed and would remain an eyesore for years.

"Gleeson has identified the adjacent council-owned site off Heys Land as offering an opportunity to provide additional homes for sale, which will help overcome the viability gap.

"Gleeson wish to purchase the council-owned site so that they can include it in their proposed scheme for the stalled site and have presented the council with an offer for the land."

Cllr Mahmood's executive decision grants approval to treat Gleeson Homes as special purchaser for the site adjacent to Scotland Bank Mill and for its sale to the firm.

He authorises council officers to proceed with the sale, to consider any objections to the loss of public open space and to purchase any part of the site owned by third parties.