The first new homes on a controversial housing development will be available for occupation by the end of the year.

The entire 127 property estate on the Clayton Triangle in Hyndburn - newly christened Lockside Walk - will be completed by Spring 2025.

The new estate will deliver affordable homes on the six-acre derelict site in Clayton-le-Moors.

The development of 53 apartments and 74 houses bordering the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, close to Junction 7 of the M65, has caused significant concerns over traffic and highways safety among nearby residents.

When the scheme received planning consent in August 2022, Clayton-le-Moors Councillor Melissa Fisher warned it would cause 'chaos and carnage' in Whalley Road and the at the Hare and Hounds junction.

Lockside Walk is being built by Greater Manchester contractor Watson Homes on behalf of North-West housing association Onward Homes.

It will offer a range of affordable housing options - including shared ownership, rent to buy and affordable rent - with 32 apartments designed for over-55s looking to downsize.

All homes will have off-road parking and landscaped front and private rear gardens.

Since starting on site last winter, Watson has completed several structures and more than half of the new development’s internal roads.

Through the use of modern construction methods, including sustainable timber-frame systems, Watson and Onward are on schedule to deliver the first new homes by the end of this year, with the entire development expected to complete in Spring 2025.

Hyndburn Council’s housing boss Cllr Kath Pratt joined the borough's head of regeneration Mark Hoyle to tour the construction site.

She said: “It has been wonderful see the progression happening first-hand.

"I am delighted Watson and Onward have brought this development forward after over 20 years of work at the council.

"The location is very attractive situated alongside the canal and I know these new energy-efficient affordable homes are very much needed.

“The new homes will be available to rent or buy and this development meets Hyndburn’s aims of maximising brownfield land for supply of quality, affordable homes.”

Sandy Livingstone, property director at Onward Homes, said: “We are committed to working with local partners to improve the quality of affordable housing across Hyndburn.

"We look forward to unlocking new employment and training opportunities not only through the construction of Lockside Walk but also by trebling the size of our Altham-based maintenance team Onward Repairs.”

Rob Watson, director at Watson Homes, added: “We are delighted to be working with Onward Homes to bring 127 much-needed affordable homes to Hyndburn, providing a range of shared ownership, rent to buy and affordable rent properties.

“With the first handovers due before the end of the year we can’t wait to see the benefits from this regeneration development.”