COUNCILLORS have refused outline planning permission to turn an industrial site into a residential development.

But residents have been told the proposals could be given the go ahead in the future if the Hyndburn borough runs out of housing stock Winchester UK Ltd had applied to Hyndburn Council for permission to be able to build homes on the site of West End Works, Norman Road, Oswaldtwistle.

The premises are still in use and are the base for at least two businesses there. The developer had argued that it was too costly to continue running the works as an industrial venture and that it would be more profitable to build houses on it.

The site is already surrounded by residential properties, which home owners say is causing problems with traffic and flooding, due to inadequate parking space and poor drainage.

Letters of objection to the new development said that the area could not meet the demands of an increased population. Residents also pushed councillors to retain the site as one for employment purposes.

Speaking at the planning meeting, Coun Marlene Haworth, St Oswald's ward, agreed that traffic was bad at the site: "The junction is an absolute nightmare to get out of. It is an accident waiting to happen."

According to Lancashire County Council's estimation, Hyndburn has adequate housing supply for the next five years.

Councillors agreed with planning staff that there was no need for any more homes to be built in the area and refused the application.

Chair of the planning committee Coun John Griffiths, Baxenden ward, said: "Our local plan requirement is filled at the moment - although this is not necessarily the case in the future."

He added: "This is an employment site and we should retain such sites where we can."