MORE than 160 homes could be heading to Darwen after plans have been given the green light.

In April, last year, Persimmon Homes submitted plans for 168 properties on land off Spring Meadow in the town and it was permitted by council chiefs last week.

There are set to be 11 different house types on the site and vary from two bedroom to four or five bedroomed houses and is opposite the active development site being created by Keir Homes.

In the planning statement it was claimed that the development "Will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development."

In October last year the Lancashire Telegraph reported that there were concerns about the scheme.

Cllr Neil Slater, who represents Darwen South, was disappointed about the decision to put houses there.

He said: "I am against the development of Darwen South when there are other areas in the borough that have space for building such as the old Darwen Moorland School site.

"I am very disappointed with the council not spending Section 106 money in the ward instead of other areas.

"It should have been used to repair roads such as Cranberry Lane which goes up to the development.

"We also do not have enough infrastructure for more homes such as schools, doctors and dentists and there needs to be more of these."

Cllr Kevin Connor, who represents the same ward, said: "It is fine to build new properties but it is services we have to worry about.

"With all the developments in Darwen you have 130 here and 168 three then you have 400 cars on the road and you have to look at whether the road and junctions can cope."

In the design and access statement it said the scheme will create years of full-time employment for 520 people.

n What do you think of the news? Email your views to robert.kelly@nqnw.co.uk.