PLANS for 68 new houses in Reedley look set to get the green light at a meeting tonight.

Upgraded sports pitches could also be on their way if councillors give their blessing to the houses on the former Lucas Sports Ground.

Members of Brierfield and Reedley Committee deferred plans for Ashton Partnerships to build 74 homes last month.

They said they preferred a previously approved planning application for 68 houses on the site, a scheme which has been revived.

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of the committee.

Lancashire County Council objected to the plan on the grounds that they did not want a 'green' site to be developed.

The move has led to an investigation by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. An inquiry is planned for October.

In recent years, the government has insisted on 'higher density' housing developments to reduce the amount of land they take up.

The government has set a minimum target of 30 homes per hectare, and the application would meet the criteria.

Part of the plan includes upgrading football and cricket pitches on the site.

Stan Healey, planning officer for Pendle Council, said the application had been amended to meet the government's housing density criteria.

He said: "The scheme has been changed to try to meet both the desires of the council and the government. However, even if the scheme is approved, it could still be stopped if the government objects."

Since the sports ground was closed in 1994 there have been several plans to develop the area for housing.