DOCUMENTS have emerged detailing plans to put a link road through Bailey’s Field in Darwen.

The plans for the “Darwen East Distributor Road” are part of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s “Local Plan.”

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Although the planned road had been referred to in official documents previously, details of its precise location have never been revealed publicly.

But now, the Lancashire Telegraph can reveal documents exist showing the plans to link Priory Drive with Ivinson Road by putting a road through the western edge of Bailey’s Field.

It is understood the road is intended to open up the proposed development sites – also identified in the council’s Local Plan – in Bailey’s Field and at the former Darwen Moorland High School site.

Blackburn with Darwen Council executive member for regeneration Councillor Maureen Bateson said: “As part of ongoing plans to open up new sites for potential development and in line with current government policy, the council needs to consider infrastructure changes that will allow for further investment and growth within the local economy.

“This will also provide alternative routes for residents and motorists that will alleviate the pressure on our network within Darwen due to growing demands.

“Residents will of course be consulted throughout the planning phase and before any decisions are made.”

Darwen MP Jake Berry said he was concerned both at the impact the planned road would have on residents and the fact nobody knew the proposal existed.

He said: “I am deeply concerned that every single person I have spoken to in Darwen has no idea about this plan to build a major new road across one of Darwen’s much-loved walking spots.

“As the local MP, I backed hundreds of residents who opposed Blackburn with Darwen Council’s plans to build more than 500 houses on Bailey’s Field.

“Now it seems the council wants to build this major new road, cutting across Bailey’s Field to provide access to the new houses they want to build.

“I am calling on the council to re-consult on this important issue.

“These plans will affect a lot of people in Darwen and the initial consultation was obviously flawed as no one seems to know anything about it.”

Sudell councillor Paul Browne said: “I would prefer a road through Bailey’s Field than houses.

“But as a member of the planning and highways committee the first I have heard about this is from the local newspaper, not the town hall, and I am disgusted with that.”