A DISUSED patch of land that has become a haven for fly-tippers could see houses built on it.

Developers have submitted an application to build 12 houses and six apartments on land off Gorple Street, in Briercliffe.

Permission was granted in April 2011 for nine homes to be built on the site, but that scheme has since fallen through and the land has been left empty ever since.

A spokesman for the applicants said: “Historically the application site formed part of a poultry farm but in its present state it is unsightly rough grassland which has suffered from fly tipping and despoliation by dog fouling and other low level pollution.

“It was also used as an informal site compound when the development to the south was constructed which resulted in the site being largely cleared of vegetation. As a result the site has little or no ecological value.

“The site is within easy walking distance of the centre of Harle Syke which includes a wide range of shops and other services.

“There are schools and employment uses within close proximity to the site and a frequent bus service links Harle Syke to both Nelson and Burnley town centres. As such the site is a well located and sustainable.”

The scheme is for 12 three storey town houses with garages and a block of six apartments.