THE site of an arson-hit former factory will be sold at auction despite its owner having planning permission to build two homes there.

Ben McKay was granted approval last year to build two homes on the derelict Equity House site at the top of Equity Street in Darwen.

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It came as a relief to residents who had long complained the site had become an eyesore.

But now, the site is listed for sale by Pugh auction house on Thursday, February 26, with a guide price of £40,000.

Sunnyhurst Councillor Dave Smith said Mr McKay had always wanted to build three homes on the site, but planning officials would only permit plans for two.

Councillor Smith, who is also chairman of the Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee, said: “Hopefully another builder will buy it and commence work.”

The main structure of the building has now been demolished and the site is fenced off in an effort to prevent anybody accessing the site and injuring themselves.

When the initial proposal was submitted in January last year, a spokesman for James Campbell Associates Ltd said in a planning document: “The reasons and theory behind the applicant’s proposals are that they would like to refurbish and develop this fire-damaged building.

“It has a place on the street scene and is currently a dangerous structure.

“Given the predominantly residential area this proposal is an ideal opportunity to breathe new life into this building.

“The surrounding properties in the area are predominantly residential so this proposal is ideal and fits in well with the existing uses around the site.

“It will be a popular development close to the town centre and will offer vibrant usable properties within the area.”

Planning permission was eventually granted by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in October.

At the time of the fire in September 2010, 50 firefighters had battled the blaze as flames roared 20ft above the roof of the boarded up building.

Nearby residents had to evacuate their homes as it was feared the fire could spread.

In the aftermath, it was ruled the blaze had made the building dangerous.