PLANS to impose parking restrictions in Huncoat to make way for a new housing development are set to go to public consultation.

An outline planning application, submitted by London-based Landmatch to develop the former Huncoat brickworks site, was passed by Hyndburn Council development services committee in September.

But the application had previously been criticised by residents because of the proposed entrance to the site.

Concerns were raised in letters to the council because the planned access off the mini-roundabout in Station Road would restrict residents' parking near the roundabout.

Plans were put forward for parking facilities for eight vehicles to be made available within the new site but residents in Station Road were fearful of leaving their cars out of sight of their properties.

At a meeting of Hyndburn Council's Cabinet yesterday John Davey, assistant head of environmental health, said the matter of parking would soon be put to public consultation.

He said: "Development is dependant on waiting restrictions being put in.

"We will not be following the usual consultation process because this is a one-off situation which has come from a development but we will be going to public consultation which will include using the area councils."

Funding for the proposed restrictions and replacement parking would be funded by the developer.

The outline application could result in up to 260 new homes being built on the site and a legal agreement with the applicants has secured more than £300,000 to improve local facilities if the work goes ahead.