A CONTROVERSIAL application for a traveller site in Lower Darwen has been thrown out by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Council officers made the decision on Friday under delegated powers hours after a petition with 1,250 signatures was presented to the council’s planning committee about the plan for the former Lawnmower Specialists site in Sandy Lane.

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Residents have been running an organised campaign against the plan which has seen members of the community speak out against the proposed travellers’ site at a number of public meetings.

Applicant John Loveridge had sought planning permission to change the use of the plot, and erect one static caravan, three touring caravans and an amenity building before withdrawing the plan in December.

Mr Loveridge then moved caravans onto the site and reapplied for planning permission, using a loophole in the planning process which prevents the caravans from being evicted until the planning application has been dealt with by the council.

Mr Berry, whose constituency includes Lower Darwen, said: “I’m glad because this was a deeply unpopular application and it was unsuitable for a residential area.

“I’m delighted that the council officers have refused it on planning grounds.”

The final decision comes after residents packed into Trinity Church in Sandy Lane to voice their opposition to the proposals in January.

Will Straw, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Rossendale and Darwen, said: “I’m really pleased that the council has listened to the concerns of residents.”