WORK has started on a £13million development of 95 affordable homes for rent on the site of a former football stadium.

The scheme aims to be complete by September 2022.

The development at the former Rossendale United FC ground in Dark Lane, Newchurch, is by affordable homes provider Together Housing Group.

It will have 23 two-bedroom houses, 62 three-bedroom houses and 10 two-bedroom apartments all for affordable rent.

In addition to a children’s play area on the site, a financial contribution will be made to deliver a replacement playing pitch at Marl Pits Leisure Centre in Rossendale.

The first homes will be ready to move into November next year and the development is expected to be complete by September 2022.

The football stadium was last used by non-league Rossendale United in 2011 and was badly damaged by a fire in 2012. Since then the site has become derelict.

Plans had previously been submitted for 50 homes to be constructed on the site in 2012 but were later withdrawn.

The current 95 property scheme was granted planning permission by Rossendale Council in December last year and the homes will be built by Vistry Partnership'

Hilary Brady, head of development for Together Housing, said: “The site has lain abandoned since the club left nearly 10 years ago. This development will not only improve the appearance of the derelict site but the affordable housing will attract new families into the area to address the surplus school places.”

Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council said: "We're extremely pleased to finally see the commencement of this project. The 95 homes, all of which offer affordable rent, will be a great addition to Rossendale as will the opportunities for the local jobs market with the extra construction jobs that will be necessary to complete the building work."

Andy Coates, construction director for Vistry Partnerships Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Together Housing once again. Our land-led developments continue to unlock opportunities to deliver much-needed affordable housing across the region.”

Homes England. provided cash grants for the development to go ahead as part of a nationwide drive to build more affordable homes.

Rossendale United FC, which competed in the North West Counties League, was dissolved in 2011 after suffering financial problems and the site has not been used since.