LARGE families and people with disabilities have received a housing boost after work started on new homes in Blackburn.

Salford-based Space New Living has started building 14 homes in Queen's Road specifically designed for the groups, which create a huge demand for suitable properties.

The development has been jointly funded by Space and the Housing Corporation in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Two of the properties will be five-bed "Lifetime" homes, which are new property types for Blackburn.

They can be adapted to include a lift and there is a bedroom downstairs, along with shower room, living room, dining room and kitchen making it possible for someone with a disability to live downstairs without having to tackle stairs.

The emphasis of the homes is accessibility and design features that make the home flexible to adapt to changing circumstances, for example, when a family member has a serious illness.

In addition, two four-bed bungalows will allow wheelchair access. As well as these homes, there will be four three-bed and six four-bed properties developed.

All 14 homes are being built to a high environmental standard and are due for completion in April 2005.

Andrea Lowman, director of business development at Space, said: "These properties are specifically designed for the requirements of people in Blackburn.

"There is a huge demand for larger homes to accommodate families and there is a lack of suitable homes for people with disabilities.

"We are committed to creating neighbourhoods and providing homes where people want to live and make a positive difference to their lives."