WORK has begun on a £1.4million development of the North Road area in Blackburn.

The regeneration will finally see a replacement for the site of the former high-rise flats which were torn down more than a decade ago.

Councillors visited the site last week to see where the 16 new homes will be located when the work is completed in June.

The houses are described as two and three-bedroom affordable homes on the parcel of land that has remained untouched since the block of flats were pulled down in the 1990s.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said the development would meet level three of the Code for Sustainable Homes and would face the recently completed Valley Lane development in North Road.

The homes are funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), with four of the properties being made available for shared ownership and the remaining 12 homes for ‘affordable’ rent.

Matthew Harrison, chief executive of Great Places Housing Group, one of the largest housing associations in the UK, said: “North Road is a great location for families and these new affordable homes will be a fantastic addition to the area, enabling couples and families to live in quality and attractive accommodation at affordable prices.”

Peter Bojar, director of development, added: “This is a fine example of partnership working between ourselves, Blackburn with Darwen Council and the HCA.”

Coun Arshid Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, housing and customer services, said: “There is a real need in the area for new affordable homes, we hope these houses will help go towards meeting the current demand and improve the area.”