PLANS to build a new industrial estate in Huncoat were thrown out by planners yesterday.

The site, to the south of the former Huncoat Power Station and near to the junction of Lowergate Road with Altham Lane, comprises of 8.42 hectares of agricultural land that is currently used for grazing livestock.

Applicant Richard Percy had applied to build an industrial estate with a mix of office, industrial and distribution uses, which would have created approximately 600 jobs.

Permission was refused by members of Hyndburn Borough Council's Planning Committee primarily on the grounds that greenbelt land should not be encroached upon and that industrial units already in the area were struggling to find occupants.

The committee had heard the industrial estate would cover a small portion in the north-eastern corner of the site, but land required to provide vehicular access to the site would be within greenbelt land.

One hundred and three members of the public responded by letter objecting to the proposed development. A petition in objection was signed by 645 people while 60 people also attended the meeting.

Ian McCann, from campaign group Huncoat Voice, argued for the application to be refused at the meeting.

He said that the industrial estate was "not viable" and "would destroy East Huncoat's outlook."

He summed up his argument to applause by saying: "Allowing this would be the biggest mistake this committee has ever made."

Coun Clare Pritchard, ward councillor for Milnshaw, said: "The people of Huncoat have a right to live, not just exist.

"I am never going to support building on our greenbelt. Not an inch, not a foot."

Mr Percy said: "Only the equivalent of one tenth of a football pitch of greenbelt land would be covered by road.

He further stated that only 4.1 per cent of the site would be greenbelt land, and the majority of it would be used for landscaping.

The planning permission was recommended for approval by the Chief Planning and Transportation Officer and approval was moved by the committee chairman Coun John Griffiths and seconded by Coun Miles Parkinson.

This was defeated by five councillors voting in favour of refusing the planning permission.

Resident Jim Ashton of Lynwood Road, said he was extremely happy about the decision.

He said: "I've been a resident of Huncoat since I was a 14-year-old lad in 1941.

"In the 66 years I've lived in the town I've regretted the post-war developments and the loss of green fields and meadows.

"The place has been abused, there is no other word for it. Historical buildings have been lost and the industry has sprawled.

"I am not against the industrial estate, but I am against the loss of greenbelt.

Colin Taylor, also of Lynwood Road, was also delighted by the outcome. He said: "I am fed up of Huncoat being taken over by industry - it's no longer a village.

"As much as I'm pleased by the refusal, I'm very, very worried though about it going to appeal."