THE developers of the Belgrave mill site in Darwen intend to expand their work in the town after applying to build eight town houses close to Bolton Road.

McInerney Homes, based in Bolton, has sought planning consent from Blackburn with Darwen Council to build the homes on land next to Springfield Street, near to the Belgrave plot.

The company currently has contractors preparing the former Crown Wallcoverings factory for demolition, which is expected to take place in the spring.

McInerney Homes then proposes to build 127 homes, including 73 apartments, 50 terrace houses and four semi-detached, on the site by Christmas 2006.