LAND near a 19th century house in Darwen, on the edge of the West Pennine Moors, is set to be the subject of debate after plans were unveiled for 22 homes at the location.

Plans for Ellerslie, off Bolton Road via Bury Fold Lane, would see the majority of the properties located to the west of the main house, with the remaining three to the north-east of the property.

MORE TOP STORIES:

An estate road would be created, running around 55 metres into the land, with shared driveways planned beyond that.

Hedgerows would also be planted to denote the rear and side boundaries, according to developers Ellerslie Fold Management Company, a firm which has submitted an outline planning application for the site.

Nature surveys have already been conducted, with agents saying there is no badger or greater crested newt activity detected and only one tree which would have any potential for roosting bats.

The developer has also pledged to make planning agreement contributions to cover off-site road works, offset the lack of affordable housing suggested and towards the provision of a new open space elsewhere.