TWO leading councillors say creating special ‘Neighbourhood Plans’ under new government legislation is the only way to stop Clitheroe, Whalley and Longridge being swamped by homes.

The mayor of Clitheroe Kevin Horkin and former Tory MP Ken Hind believe the only way the residents of the Ribble Valley’s three major population centres can haul control back from landowners and developers is the create a blueprint for each community.

They believe localised frameworks will give residents and councillors power to stop housing developers pressing ahead with schemes in the teeth of opposition.

Ribble Valley Council, which has yet to finalise a planning ‘core strategy’, has recently faced protests from people angry over the go-ahead for schemes involving hundreds of homes in Clitheroe and Whalley.

St Mary’s ward Tory coun Horkin said: “As mayor of Clitheroe I will propose and promote with the town council that we lead the community in creating a neighbourhood plan. Bombarded as we are by applications to build homes, we must have more democratic control over shaping the future of our town.”

Coun Hind, who represents Dilworth and Longridge, said: “We have held discussions with the council and environment secretary Eric Pickles has encouraged us to go ahead.

“Longridge Town Council has a working party. We urge other communities like Whalley to consider this solution.

“We cannot afford to be just passive where housing development over the next 15 years is concerned.”

Under new planning laws, town and parish councils can draw up proposals for identifiable areas alongside the council’s ‘core strategy’.

If voted through in a referendum, the plans will carry legal weight.

Borough chief executive Marshal Scott said: “The council is happy to work with communities that wish to create neighbourhood plans.”