AMBITIOUS plans to build a £5million block of luxury, five-storey flats were put on hold because councillors were concerned about the height of the development.

Proposals submitted to Rossendale Council by The Hurstwood Group involve creating 34 apartments on land off Free Lane, Helmshore.

But dozens of residents living close to the former mill site gathered at a meeting of the authority's development control to voice their concerns.

The group launched a protest after the plans were revealed and presented a 300-name petition to councillors on the committee.

Hurstwood, based in New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall, have included secure basement parking for two vehicles per household, a 24-hour concierge, two glass lifts up to the apartments and four penthouse flats in the scheme.

The derelict Sunnybank site, formerly Porrits Mill, is close to the Bridge End pub and Snig Hole park as well as Hurstwood's prestigious Sunnybank development of executive homes. Brian Gorton spoke on behalf of residents and said: "Around 99.9 per cent of people approached in the area about the development signed a petition because of concerns about the design. There are no other properties of this type in the area which simply wouldn't fit in.

"There would be many extra vehicles in the area effecting the safety of people living around here.Already we have trouble with walkers parking here and heavy goods vehicles parking up.

"Schools around here are already oversubscribed with many residents having difficulties with getting their children into local schools. And flooding is getting worse. Last year 30 per cent of the bungalows on Sunnybank came within two inches of raw sewage running into their properties. I am very concerned that this development would make it worse."

Managing director of Hurstwood Stephen Ashworth said plans conformed to Government strategy for brownfield sites, with detailed research carried out.

Mr Ashworth said the scheme will bring much-needed, attractive and affordable housing to the area without causing traffic or parking problems.

He added: "The whole site will also be landscaped, including reclamation works to the river, river walls and banks. Government guidelines state that there should be 1.5 parking spaces per dwelling, this proposal goes beyond what is required so that no cars should park in Sunnybank Road."

He said they had been careful to retain as much woodland as possible: "No trees with Tree Protection Orders will be affected and we have also moved to ensure trees which are not protected are also retained."

Hurstwood has also agreed to pay £34,000 to upgrade Helmshore park by providing five new pieces of play equipment.

Planners agreed the decision should be deferred until the next development control meeting to give developers time to re-think their plans.

Councillor Bill Challinor, said: "I think it's too big. It's a lovely site but it's not appropriate. I am concerned about flooding and as councillors it's our responsibility to make sure residents are protected from flooding. It's totally inappropriate."

Hurstwood said apartments would range from two to four bedrooms, with prices expected to range from £100,000 to £200,000.