PLANS to build 49 homes on the former site of a football ground and nightclub have been refused.

Proposals to develop Wood Street in Great Harwood were thrown out by Hyndburn Borough Council’s planning committee because too many planning policies would be contravened.

Owner Ian Jackson has been attempting to begin the development of the former Monroe’s nightclub and Great Harwood Town Football Club for several years.

Great Harwood Town FC resigned from the North West Counties League three years ago and the nightclub burnt down the same year.

Mr Jackson had planned to build 12 two-bedroomed apartments, 18 three-bedroomed houses and 19 four-bedroomed houses, including driveways and garages.

Concerns included the site’s proximity to a nearby abattoir, as well as poor road provision.

If it had gone ahead, Mr Jackson would have paid Great Harwood Rovers Football Club, which operates from the adjoining playing fields, £300,000 towards their planned new changing rooms.

Chairman of Hyndburn’s planning committee, Coun John Griffiths said: “It’s a shame about the money offered to the club, but so many planning regulations were crossed, we couldn’t have passed it.”