LONG-awaited plans to rejuvenate derelict land in Blackburn can finally go ahead.

The first phase of the Griffin regeneration scheme was approved by planning and highways committee members – meaning 56 homes to be operated by Great Places housing group can be built on the site.

The regeneration plan was first mooted more than a decade ago but stalled when the Government scrapped the market housing renewal scheme.

The scheme was also delayed for seven years by the refusal of two home owners to sell the final properties needed for the scheme in Mill Hill.

But now planners have given proposals the green light, work can get under way in earnest.

Councillors heard hopes that the second phase of the development would not be far behind.

Ward councillor Zamir Khan said: “I welcome this because at the moment, the site is a dumping ground. People leave all sorts of stuff on there.

“This will be a big improvement.”

Growth and development boss Cllr Phil Riley added: “This is a brilliant scheme. It achieves all the things we want to do, and we look forward to the second part of the scheme as soon as this is approved.”

Cllr Jane Oates said: “At long last we are doing something with this site.

“It’s been left in a mess for such a long time and it’s great to see this being brought forward for affordable housing.”

Great Places bosses say the scheme would create construction jobs during the build period as well as bringing people into the borough to support local shops, services and businesses.

A spokesman said: “New residents occupying the development would also generate demand for health, education and other services off the site, schools, hospitals, public administration, thus supporting further public-sector employment.

“The proposals would generate an additional capital receipt for Blackburn with Darwen Council via new homes bonus payments, based on the properties adding to the net supply of housing in the borough.”

The site formerly housed the Griffin pub, which was knocked down in 2018 as part of clearance work.