A CONTROVERSIAL development of 30 apartments in Helmshore could be given the green light next week despite objections from residents.

The original application for Free Lane by Rawtenstall-based Hurstwood Developments Ltd met with opposition from residents.

Petitions submitted to the council and letters of objection said it would lead to increased traffic problems, a loss of view and the size of the proposed development would mean it would look out of place.

The applicant was asked to submit an amended scheme, which was received on March 27, and which involved a reduction in the height of the building.

This would be achieved by removing the top floor and making the apartment block three-storey instead of four, with accommodation within the roof space.

It would be built in a letter H shape with a mixture of two, three and four bedroom apartments.

A bridge access would be built over the Alden Brook with 60 car parking spaces.

Lancashire County Council's highways engineer has raised no objection to the plans and members of the development control committee will be recommended to approve the development, when it meets on Wednesday, subject to several conditions relating to the safeguarding of trees on the site, landscaping, materials and designs for car parking.

The site was originally a treatment works for the nearby Porrits Mill.

The amended scheme has received comments from residents who are still concerned about issues such as increased traffic and parking, more pressure on local recreational, educational, waste collection and sewage, disruption and inconvenience during construction and flooding. Pat Marx, of nearby Sunnybank Close, said many of the residents would be attending the meeting to voice their opposition once more.

She said: "We are still against the amended scheme and are not happy about it. We are still against the size of the block of apartments and feel it is unsuitable for this area. There are so many reasons we don't want it here. The proposed development would just be too intense."

Planning officers believe the proposal represents good design and would provide a choice of accommodation in Helmshore.