CANALSIDE accommodation could spring up across East Lancashire after the government unveiled its regeneration priorities for the next 13 years.

The North West of England Plan identified the Leeds Liverpool Canal as being an untapped resource as the region looks to catch up with the likes of Manchester and Liverpool.

Bosses have been drawing up the plan, which sets a framework for the development of the different parts of the North West, for the past four years.

The 208-page document, released this week, will be crucial in determining planning applications and funding bids.

It will also trigger a rapid increase in house-building, with a target of 1,381 new homes in East Lancashire to be built each year.

And bosses say this figure does not represent the maximum so it could be exceeded.

One expert said the 127-mile Leeds Liverpool Canal, which runs through a number of East Lancashire towns including Blackburn, Clayton le Moors and Burnley, could be a “building block” for regeneration.

Michael Gallagher, director of planning, transport and housing for the new 4NW body which is in charge of the document, said: “Waterside living has become very desirable, but building on that has been slow and there is still a lot of opportunity.

“There are some parts that look good but if they were in Manchester or Liverpool they would be a stunning piece of regeneration.”

Including the canal in the document made it easier for projects from councils or British Waterways to get the go-ahead, he added.

The plan also sets out priorities for the transport network across the North West.

It classifies the M65 as a ‘route of regional importance’, but does not address specific proposals like widening the motorway.

Much-needed improvements to East Lancashire’s rail links with Manchester are also not referred to, but the route has not been deemed a ‘key regional public transport corridor’.

The plan also says investment should be concentrated in the four towns of Blackburn, Burnley, Blackpool and Preston.

Communities minister Baroness Andrews said: "The North West Plan sets out an achievable vision for reducing the social and economic disparities in the region while protecting its distinctive character and environment."