VILLAGERS in Kelbrook are fighting plans to build three-storey blocks of flats opposite their homes.

Dalesmoor Homes Ltd has applied for permission to build 11 houses and nine flats on the former Dotcliffe Mill site on Dotcliffe Road.

But people living near the site say the scheme would ruin the character of the village, create traffic chaos and threaten bats and owls.

Louise Stansfield, 33, lives opposite the site and said the development would look horrific.

She added: "Blocks of flats are for towns and city centres, not for small countryside villages.

"Access, parking and turning around on what is a dangerously narrow lane are already a nightmare. This development would just make the problems worse."

Her neighbour Lindsay Robinson, 32, said: "It is outrageous to even suggest building what would be a tower block in a village like this."

Outline planning permission to demolish the mill and develop the site was given in April in return for £19,000 for highway development on Main Street, funding for a 20mph speed limit along Dotcliffe Road and landscaping of public open space along the route of the culvert, which will be reopened.

But despite changes to the developers' plans, planning officers at Pendle Borough Council have recommended the scheme is turned down at West Craven Committee's meeting on November 2.

The committee will meet at Rolls-Royce Social Club, Barnoldswick, at 7pm.