PROPOSALS for a major extension at Higham Village Hall have met with opposition from local residents.

During the consultation process of the application submitted to the Borough of Pendle's Planning Department, letters of opposition from people living in nearby houses were sent in to the council.

If given the green light, the Higham Hall Road site would be given a rear extension, a new entrance hall, a new bar and lounge and store.

The purpose of the plans is to make the venue a more attractive venue for meetings and functions. It is hoped that visitors would be encouraged to use Kiln Hill and the car park, rather than Higham Hall Road for car parking.

The hall is a listed building and although the proposed extension would be visible from the adjacent church graveyard from Higham Hall Road and from nearby Kiln Hill, the designs are intended to be compatible with nearby buildings and would not affect the appearance or character of the conservation area.

But for people living nearby the plans only spell trouble. Objections have been raised to the likely amount of increased Traffic. Traffic which they claim would further restrict already limited parking spaces and increase the wear and tear of Kiln Hill from construction traffic.

Noise from functions and taxis arriving to collect visitors is also causing concern.

Because of these objections, the Borough of Pendle will recommend that the proposed plans are refused at a meeting on Thursday.

Fence councillor, John David said: "The village hall is a very well used facility. I was largely instrumental in getting it established and am quite involved with it.

"I think we have got to find ways of keeping it going and improving it. I would be very disappointed if we could not find a way of doing it without upsetting the residents.

"If people are going to make a case it is not for me to prejudge it and it is only right to let them say what they have to."