CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 15 homes on derelict land. have raise safety concerns.

If approved, two and three-bedroom houses, will be built on a plot of land near to a former brickworks in Huncoat.

But concerns have been raised that the development in Yorkshire Street could be unsuitable due to its close proximity to Huncoat railway station.

The site, which can be accessed from both Station Road and Enfield Close, lies near to a former brickworks which continued up until as late as the 1990s, with the land since lying vacant.

Former Huncoat councillor Dave Parkins said that the land has become ‘overgrown’ and an ‘eyesore’ but that he is concerned about the ‘safety’ of the proposed development.

Cllr Parkins said: “The land has lain vacant for a number of years and it has become overgrown and derelict, so something has to be done.

“But I’d be concerned about these housing plans as it would seem that the front doors of these houses are near enough on the railway.

“So I don’t think this would be very suitable for families with children.

“I’d also be surprised that a fairly large development would fit on such a small parcel of land already surrounded by housing.”

But in planning documents on behalf of applicant Hyndburn Homes, agents DK-Architects, said the development would ensure a 'pedestrian friendly environment to ensure safe and efficient movement for residents and visitors within the curtilage of the property.

DK-Architects said: “The proposed development is a unique opportunity to provide high-quality accommodation in an established residential area.

“The scheme has been designed with the aim of reducing the visual impact of the building and providing much needed housing for the area.

“The development aims to positive contribute to the local area by increasing the provision of two and three bedroom properties in the Huncoat area, improving the quality of available properties in the Huncoat area, improving the streetscape and visual amenity for residents along Yorkshire Street, improving the security of the local area by developing on a vacant site, preventing anti-social behaviour and improving the biodiversity of the site by introducing new trees, hedges and planting.”

During the 1970s, terraced properties used to be situated on the site, with the houses dating back as far as the 1890s, possibly to accommodate the workers of the nearby brickworks.

The site has also been the subject of plans in the past to build a community centre, but the bid never materialised.