A CONTROVERSIAL major housing development has been given the go-ahead by planning bosses despite numerous worries from residents.

Hyndburn planning committee passed proposals for a residential development including conversion of farmhouse and outbuildings at land at Warcock Farm, Mount St James, Knuzden.

This was despite 19 letters of objection being received against the proposals and protestors turning up at the planning meeting to voice their concerns.

Complaints against the plans included worries over noise and odour from a nearby chicken farm and traffic concerns.

Former councillor Marlene Haworth, who spoke against the plans at the meeting, said there is already a ‘rat run’ in the area and residents need to be consulted.

She said: “Most of the houses would have two cars which is 100-plus cars there on top of existing traffic.

“Elderly residents are concerned they won’t be able to park in front of their houses due to the extra cars, so they’ll have to carry shopping down the road which will be a problem.

“It is very dangerous already down there. Moss Lane is frequently used as a rat run to the M65.”

Controversial plans for 84 new homes in Knuzden back on the table

The development is provisionally listed to include up to 84 homes.

The plans were previously rejected over the lack of evidence of a 100-metre buffer zone from the nearby chicken farm, but were resubmitted after a further check had been carried out by the applicant.

Around 20 car parking spaces will be provided to residents in the buffer zone to make up for lost spaces from the development.

Resident Pamela Brown, also spoke at the meeting against the plans and raised concerns over car parking and the odour and noise a nearby chicken farm could cause.

Planning agent Steven Hartley, defending the plans, said: “Not everyone is going to be happy with any housing development.

"There is a need to provide more houses and as we get older especially we see the need for our children and grandchildren, where are they going to live?

"This is a site which can be developed to meet that demand.”

St Oswalds Primary school is located along from the site but no objections were submitted from the school.

The County Council highways department also did not submit any objections to the plans.

The plans were passed by the planning committee by 10 votes to two.

Cllr Tim O’Kane said: “I understand people concerned a bit with any development with lots of houses.

"The school has submitted no objections which I think is a key point.

"I sympathise with the residents but feel the council has looked in to this extensively and I will be voting in favour.”

But Cllr Judith Addison said: “I feel we are taking a bit of a risk letting it go to the next stage.

"I do think these concerns are very serious, I feel the noise and odour is a very big concern.”