STONE from old weavers’ cottages will be reclaimed to create a new conservation area development.

The long-term grot-spot of Thompson Court, part of Accrington town centre’s conservation area, features crumbling buildings which have been falling into disrepair for decades.

Behind Warner Street and Bank Street, the site is next to some of the town’s finest architectural gems and features cottages and a workshop, currently classed as unsafe.

The area could be revamped at last with plans for four new cottages to be built in the style of the original courtyard deve-lopment.

Applicants, Accrington-based 3D Projects, propose four one-bedroom cottages, built from stone reclaimed from both the standing properties and those which have fallen down or been demolished.

Those buildings which remain are said to be structurally dangerous and contain asbestos.

Leader of the council Miles Parkinson said: “Of course we welcome any plan that would clear up a blight in such an important area of town.

"The plans will have to be considered suitable for a conservation area though and the views of residents and businesses taken into account.

“At the moment though it is less than delightful to the eye so interest in it as a brownfield site is good news”.

The layout would mimic that of the original, but with more room created for eight parking spaces and vehicle access.

The quadrangle, which is accessed by Bank Street, is surrounded by busy shops, cafes and the listed Warners Arms pub.