AN MP has been praised for getting the cash needed for a new road to allow a major development on an 'eyesore' site to go ahead.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry was thanked for his work as councillors approved a 76 homes housing estate on the site of the former Lower Darwen Paper Mill near junction 4 of the M65.

He was instrumental in persuading the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership to give a £1.4million grant for a new spine road through the 23.5 acre site and other preparatory works.

Blackburn with Darwen planning committee granted detailed planning permission for the estate being built by Cheshire based Elan Homes on the 'eyesore' land between Milking Lane and Greenbank Terrace.

Blackburn South and Lower Darwen Conservative Cllr Jacqui Slater said: "This is really, really good application.

"It can go ahead because we got a new road in thanks to Jake Berry."

Labour's borough regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: "We all agree this is a really good piece of work.

"Jake Berry's input was important in getting the road but we must also thank the council's growth for their work."

Committee chairman Cllr Dave Smith also welcomed the development saying: "This site was one of the worst eyesores in the borough."

Independent Cllr Jan Virmani said: "This has been an eyesore for a long time."

As well as the 76 homes to be completed in two stages in December 2024 and a year later, the committee has also given planning permission for three commercial units at the other end of the 'Mill Bank' site.

A detailed planning application for the fourth and final commercial unit on the site - approved in outline along with the remainder of the scheme in February 2020 - has been submitted by the Barnfield Blackburn Ltd joint venture company created by the council and the Brierfield-based building company to redevelop the site.