AN outline plan for 40 homes on Rossendale land next to an existing new housing development has been rejected by councillors, against the advice of planning officers.

Manchester-based developer Hollins Homes wanted to build up to 40 homes on land west of Burnley Road in Loveclough.

The site is next to a current development of new housing also by Hollins, called The Foothills. Elsewhere there are local allotments.

But Rossendale Council’s development control committee has refused to give planning permission at its latest meeting.

Traffic concerns, the visual impact on countryside, pressure on local schools and flooding concerns were raised.

Seven councillors voted against the plans with none in favour. The proposal has also sparked a number of objections from residents, according to council planning reports.

Matthew Symons spoke in favour of the Hollins application. Hollins had sent a planning statement in support of its ideas to Rossendale Council along with other plans and reports.

Representatives from Hollins says they previously secured planning approval for The Foothills, which is now under construction, and people are moving into new homes. It is expected that The Foothills will be completed by early 2025.

Its latest planning statement says:”The new application is for an extension to The Foothills. Up to 40 additional dwellings can be delivered on the infill site between the existing development off Loveclough Park, Penny Lodge Lane and The Foothills.

“The site is greenfield land, is identified as countryside in the [council’s] development plan but adjoins the urban area. It is well-contained by existing development and natural features; and is locationally-sustainable.”

Bosses at Hollins also say the plan is for a high-quality development which would protect and enhance the character and quality of the landscape.

The site is located against the existing and new settlement edge. The allocation of the landscape area to the south as public open space would protect any further encroachment into the countryside and provide a large, enhanced landscape, with opportunities for public access, it says.

Furthermore Hollins chiefs claim the new homes would not harm existing neighbours, there are good transport links nearby including bus stops and flood risks are very low.

Councillors asked about topics including the management of affordable houses, parking and highway concerns, local school capacity, the number and type of new homes, boundaries and the area’s rural character.

Despite a recommendation from officers to approve the outline plan, councillors Judith Driver and James Eaton recommended refusal. In a vote, the committee refused the application.