A "FLAGSHIP" development for nursing and residential care facilities could soon be built on land at The Sidings in Whalley.

Ribble Valley Borough Council planning committee approved an outline application for the development at the northern end of the site, with access from Station Road.

No details as to the size and design of the building have yet been submitted.

Simon Crowther, director of Ribble Valley Care , who spoke on behalf of the client, Mr Ronnan, said: "Help is needed for the elderly and the disabled.

"There have been changes in our industry, which have seen nursing and residential care homes shut down with 10,000 care beds lost throughout the country.

"Many homes are conversions of old houses. This would be a flagship development for other areas."

Planning officer John Macholc recommended approval of the plans but said: "When considering applications for nursing homes and residential care units regard must be taken to the building's location to local services such as shops and community facilities.

"This location, deally situated to the railway station, is on the outskirts and is divorced from the centre of the and its community facilities."

Coun Joyce Holgate, of Whalley, said she had concerns about the location in relation to the town centre and shops.

"The noise from the nearby industrial estate could cause problems."

Fellow Whalley councillor Arthur Pearson agreed the site was not ideal but said he would rather see a nursing home there than an industrial estate. But Coun Frank Dyson said: "The applicant has selected a site with the railway station at one side and industrial units at the other. It would unfortunate if we were to support such a venture."