A MEETING to discuss plans to allow developments in three small villages had to be abandoned after scores of residents vented their anger over the proposals.

Coun Alyson Barnes said the meeting to discuss the core strategy for Loveclough, Goodshaw and Crawshawbooth had been brought into disrepute by the protests.

Around 150 people filled Crawshawbooth Community Centre to have their say on the plans.

Coun Barnes said: “We had to abandon the meeting in the end and we apologise for the people who had their time wasted.

“The meeting became impractical due to the anger that was being vented.

"The council has heard the local voice that nobody wants large-scale development in the three areas, and neither do I.

“However, the residents now need to voice what they want to see happen in terms of developing the location.”

This was the second meeting to be held to discuss proposals to allow developments in the villages.

An earlier meeting was told its purpose was to draw up a policy written by the residents to safeguard the future of the villages.

Council planning officer Adrian Smith said: “This is a pre-consultation stage, so it is purely discussion, but we need to find out what the residents want in their area in terms of development, not just what they do not want.”