A ROSSENDALE-based property developer has welcomed the announcement that there will no longer be caps on the number of new homes allowed.

But Geoff Lever, a director of the Hurstwood Group, warned Rossendale Council that the desire for affordable homes could hinder developments.

Last month a Government minister surprised East Lancs councillors when she said there should be no limits on the new homes councils can approve.

This was contrary to councillors' understanding which had led to morator-iums for the past five years, limiting the number of new builds.

But now the Government has ordered there should be no limits, experts predict a surge in the number of new Lancashire developments.

Mr Lever said: "For some time people have been saying the supply targets set five years ago were minimum figures.

"Unfortunately councils have seen them as caps, which cut the supply of new homes.

"The aim of Rossendale Council is to have more affordable homes. This policy will reduce the supply of new homes and thus force property prices up."

"However, I understand Rossendale Council's recently approved housing policy will be reviewed straight away which is encouraging."