A DRAMATIC plan to turn Huncoat into a "flourishing community" by building 600 new houses and new shops was unanimously supported by councillors.

Residents in the town frustrated with the lack of facilities may soon be provided with amenities, including a long-awaited community centre, doctor's surgery and chemist.

Hyndburn councillors at the policy and resources committee meeting gave their full backing to the scheme to develop a 64-acre site off Bolton Avenue.

Huncoat residents were consulted about the proposals in February and more than 50 people attended two public meetings to discuss the plan.

They requested that new shops and improved facilities be constructed. Traffic issues were also of concern and councillors agreed at the meeting that a study into the impact on the roads would be carried out before April.

Ways to alleviate current problems with vehicles in Bolton Avenue and Huncoat village would also be considered.

Around £35,000 is necessary to fund the preparation work and when it is completed an outline planning permission application will be submitted.

Council officers will soon be inviting house builders and associations to show their preliminary interest in the scheme which is expected to take ten years to complete.

Coun Sheelagh Delaney said: "This is a great way to revitalise this area.

"When you have got a little urban conurbation stuck in the middle of a rural area it can get quite desolate and this is a great way to improve Huncoat's facilities.

"The development will bring a bit of hope to the area."

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