A DECISION to transform the former Airtours site in Helmshore into a massive residential development has been deferred by Rossendale Council's planning committee.

Bellway Homes Ltd and Manchester Land and Buildings Ltd plan to build 86 homes at Holmefield House, Holcombe Road, Helmshore - a mixture of apartments, detached, semi-detached and terrace houses, as well as six office units.

The site is defined as an employment area in the Rossendale District Local Plan -- a site with good links to the motorway network from Grane Road.

Airtours moved around 1,000 of its workers from the Helmshore headquarters to Rochdale three years ago.

Residents spoke at Tuesday night's planning meeting in opposition of the proposals.

One resident, who didn't want to be named, said: "When residents bought houses in the area we were aware that the site was for commercial use. A residential estate is not appropriate. Three-storey office blocks have already been turned down, this development would be much too high and out of character with the rest of the area's developments.

"In extreme weather the whole area is likely to flood because of the nearby River Ogden. The development could result in around 200 extra vehicles in the area at any one time which would be detrimental.

"The schools, dentists, doctors and public transport services are already at saturation point, this would take that to breaking point.

"We want to know why Helmshore is being targeted for so much development in such a small village."

A spokesman for Bellway Homes, based in Manchester, asked the council for a deferred decisions to give them time to address the resident' concerns.

Spokesman Clive Bolchin said: "We have not been given the opportunity to address the issue of the residents. Bellway would like to meet with objectors and local residents to create a scheme that everybody would be happy with."

Councillor David Hancock added: "There has been an awful lot of development here in Helmshore in the past. Issues such as sustainability have got to be addressed which is why we should defer this."