THE on-going battle over whether houses should be built on land next to the former railway sidings, off Knotts Drive in Colne, has taken a new turn.

Last month at the Colne Area Committee, Waterside councillor Ian Tweedie proposed that the planning application by Persimmon Homes be thrown out for environmental reasons.

His proposal was rejected and the application deferred on the grounds that more information was needed.

Coun Tweedie claims he now has a more detailed report from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, giving reasons why the planning application for housing should be rejected by the Colne Committee.

He said: "I was bitterly disappointed at the last meeting that the Liberal Democrat councillors failed to support local residents in their efforts to protect the vast range of wildlife habitat and the heathland.

"However, I will be leading a proposal to refuse housing as it conflicts with policy E6 of Pendle Council's plan."

Coun Tweedie said the plan clearly stated that: "Development proposals which would have a significantly adverse effect on the nature conservation interest of the site will be permitted only if conditions might be imposed which would prevent damaging impact on wildlife habitats or important nature conservation considerations.

"The nature conservation interests of the site are its heathland, species-rich grassland, mosses/liverworts and birdlife."

He went on: "Lancashire Wildlife Trust said that although the proposed nature area on the former sidings would retain the majority of the heathland, it would have a significantly adverse impact upon the species-rich grassland, mosses/liverworts and birdlife.

"They concluded that the former railway sidings would qualify as a Biological Heritage Site under four of their selection criteria.

"Once it's gone it's gone and there's no going back. The houses on there at the moment are sufficient.

"The previous report by the trust was not as detailed as it should have been and only represented about 50 per cent, or maybe even as low as 30 per cent, of what is actually there. This report is more in-depth and I believe it should be deemed a national heritage site."

The plans are for 190 houses on the former railway sidings with the inclusion of a wildlife site.

Campaign group "Get Knotted" are against any development on the land and the council has received nine individual letters of objection from residents, two standard duplicated letters signed by more than 250 people and two petitions, one containing nine names and the other 81.

Despite the overwhelming opposition to the amended plans, council officials have continued to recommend them for approval.

The application is expected to be considered at next Thursday's committee meeting at Colne Town Hall.