AN old ironworks site that has been left to 'decay' may finally be turned into a residential area.

The Backbarrow Ironworks site fell into disrepair when work ceased in 1966.

Planning permission was then granted in 2003 for housing units with offices to be built. 

However the developer was unable to finish the project and in 2008 the largely finished housing units were abandoned.

They have stood empty ever since. 

A large proportion of the site is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument and, according to English Heritage, is one of the most at-risk industrial plots in England. 

South Lakeland District councillor Sue Sanderson lives in Backbarrow and feels very passionately about the site being developed. 

She said: "Ever since 2008 we have had a listed building slowly decaying, it's been a problem because we have had vandalism and people sleeping rough in the area." 

The owners of the site are Sarah Bell and Philip Duffy, Joint Law of Property Act Receivers, over the Ironworks, Backbarrow. 

They have been working closely with the Lake District National Park in working towards plans which could see the monument secured and the housing development moving forward. 

Mrs Sanderson said: "They are wanting to build more housing units and also use the houses that have already been built. 

"They want to resolve this situation and will be holding a community consultation meeting in a few weeks. 

"It just looks dreadful, it is something that the community have been really upset about. It looks like a ghost town and the ancient monument is really in a bad way." 

As well as securing the monument and preventing any further deterioration, the plans also include building 43 residential units, removing two office blocks and also putting a footpath in which will connect the site with the village. 

Andrew Smith, area planner for the Lake District National Park has been working closely with the owners and the planning consultancy, Indigo Planning. 

He said: "We are really keen and supportive to see investment in consolidating the ancient monument to get it off the 'at risk' register. 

"The buildings are in a poor state and they need money spent on them and work doing to them so we are keen to see that happen. 

"The next step is finding out how the community feels about this."

The community consultation will be held on November 23 at the Outback Hall in Leven Valley Primary School from 2pm until 7.30pm. 

Members of the project team will be available to answer any questions. 

Following the consultation, a planning application is anticipated in January.