INITIAL bids to build two canal-side housing developments were approved by councillors.

Hyndburn Borough Council's planning officers recommended outline planning applications for land at Spring Street and at Wheatfield Mill, Parker Street were approved, as both sites in Rishton were in need of regeneration.

At Parker Street, residents who claimed plans would cause traffic problems heard these details would be debated later, when a full planning application gave details of the numbers of homes.

One hundred and fifty five duplicated letters and five individual letters of objection were sent to the council over plans to develop the vacant industrial building on 1.26 hectares of land.

Planners wish to build a residential development with a linked access to Wheatfield Street and a new access would be formed near to the bowling green.

Chief Planning Officer Simon Prideaux recommended the principle of housing development be granted, to avoid the possibility of the site reverting to industrial use, creating more traffic.

He said: "The initial submission showed 76 dwellings including a large proportion of apartments, but that has since been withdrawn. As there is an over-provision of flats I see that figure coming down considerably as the developer proceeds to work with planning officers.”

Parker Street resident Jackie Wareing said: "Traffic is a massive concern on Parker Street. I have to park illegally to have a chance of parking anywhere at all nearby. We have been screaming, asking, pleading for help with this four or five years, for the council to agree to more traffic would be a slap in the face.”

Coun Graham Jones said: "I do really think the site represents a significant opportunity for redevelopment but there needs to be a housing assessment of that area, as with the other side of the canal at Spring Street. I accept it's a poor employment site but we need to examine what affect houses would have."

Coun Dave Parkins said: "It's just an outline plan, later on is the time to discuss the details, we should approve it because it can go back to industry at any time.”

At Spring Street, planners want to build homes on 1.98ha of land where the Bridgefield Mill once stood and where the Britannia Mill still stands. The site also includes vacant houses at the top of the street.

Councillors voted to approve the principle of housing developments at both Parker Street and Spring Street.