ROLLS Royce is hoping to 'finish off' development of the far northern end of its Barnoldswick base with an extension.

The company has applied to Pendle Borough Council for planning permission to build a 1,584 square metre workshop extension in the north-east corner of the Bankfield site. But people living near the site are objecting over fears it will increase noise nuisance.

Three residents of Whitworth Way and one from Coates Lane have written to the council to say the development might be the start of further extensions, will worsen existing noise nuisance problems, particularly at night, generate more traffic and noise on a proposed access road and worsen the unsightly appearance of current buildings.

Noise problems have been a concern since the Whitworth Way estate was completed in 2001 and put dwellings within 60 metres of the industrial buildings.

But planning officer Barry Maher has recommended councillors approve the plans when they meet on April 5.

He reports to West Craven Committee: "Assessment of the problem must take into account that this has been an established industrial site since at least 1980, is allocated for this purpose in the existing and proposed replacement Local Plans, and was developed before the Whitworth Way houses.

"Nevertheless, it is appropriate to require that noise from the site be kept to reasonable levels and recent permissions have required the submission of noise assessments to this end."

Mr Maher said a noise assessment had been submitted in October 2004 when permission was given for a 5,000 square metre factory unit to replace the original Bankfield Shed.