THE site of the Great Harwood Agricultural Show may be taken over for a new housing development.

Hyndburn Council has received an application to build 32 two-storey houses and six bungalows on the former Great Harwood Town football ground off Wood Street.

The application was submitted by AJH Associates in Clitheroe and includes provision for alternative football facilities.

On Monday the site hosted the 140th annual Great Harwood Show

But organisers are already looking for a bigger site for next year's event.

Because the development will eliminate a large open space, the developers have to create alternative recreational land on the site.

If the plan goes ahead, all the houses will include enclosed gardens and there will be a large communal recreation area with paved footpaths.

The development will be accessible via Wood Street, which will be widened to allow for more cars.

Developers said the community would benefit from the proposal because the site is currently a health hazard and an eyesore to local residents.

Great Harwood Town folded and resigned from the North West Counties League two years ago after vandals had set fire to the stand and demolished the dug-out.

The adjacent Monroes nightclub was also destroyed by fire after it had closed in February 2004 amid accusations of drug dealing on the premises.

Councillor Lynn Wilson, who is a member of the Planning Committee, said the planning application had not yet been put on the agenda for a meeting.

She added: "It will probably be difficult to find anyone who can comment on it until it comes before the committee."