PENDLE residents may get a new community sports area after the council's executive approved planning guidelines for the former Lucas Playing Fields complex in Reedley.

Proposals for the redevelopment of the complex could lead to a new community sports area, pavillion and children's play area on the eastern area and new housing on the western area.

The complex, behind Reedley Road, has not be officially used since the owners locked the gates in 1994 and has now been sold to a developer who wants to develop the playing fields.

But the council wants to make future planning permission for housing development on the western side dependent on the developer giving the eastern area to the council, as well as building a new pavillion.

The developer would also be asked for a sum of money to fund the maintenance of the playing area for ten years. A three-month public consultation exercise will be held shortly to enable people to express their views about the proposed development brief.

Coun Roy Clarkson, chairman of Brierfield and Reedley Area Committee, said: "External consultants have identified that there is a need for better quality playing pitches in this part of Pendle. They have recommended that existing pitches be brought back into use rather than new locations developed."

"The Lucas Sports Complex was used for 40 years until it was closed in 1994 and fits into this category."