CONCERNS about a pair of breeding curlews will not stop the building of five new industrial units being built between and town and a village.

Eshton Investments Ltd have been granted planning permission to turn the 33 acres of pastureland on Accrington Road between Burnley and Hapton into a 50,000 square metre mini-commercial estate.

The site is near the Network 65 business park, the Leeds Liverpool Canal, and M65 junction 9.

Burnley's development control committee approve the outline planning application for the scheme despite 39 objections including disturbing a pair of breeding curlews.

The councillors also heard about nearby residents fears over the loss of wildlife, the loss of open countryside and that it would be 'a blot on the landscape' the entry into Hapton

The permission included roundabout alterations at Junction 9 of M65/Accrington Road; new bus stops in both directions close to the proposed site entrance; and a bus service contribution of £60,000 a year over five years to expand the frequency of services.

A planning officer's report told the committee: "Objections to the proposal have been considered but the issues in respect of transport, highway safety, ecology, drainage and residential amenities can be satisfactorily managed by conditions.

"The proposed development would be accompanied by economic benefits to the economy and local population."