A COUNCIL has called on private traffic specialists in a bid stop the building of a housing estate just yards from a chemical factory (pictured).

Councillors were told fears for the safety of residents on the new estate, in Oswaldtwistle, were not good enough reason to refuse development of 60 houses on the former Lower Antley Reservoir, Blackburn Road.

The site is within the William Blythe Chemical Plant consultation zone and all planning applications must be approved by the Health and Safety Executive.

Hyndburn councillors were stunned when a report from the HSE said that officers felt there was sufficient risk to residents should there be a leak from the site to limit the number of houses to 60.

Coun Tim O'Kane said: "Surely if there is a risk to a higher number of people than those who would live in 60 houses, the same risk is there to people living in 60 approved houses. We don't want to be putting people at risk."

Mayoress Coun Sandra Hayes, said: "As well as that concern we have to consider the impact it will have on Blackburn Road. It is already very busy, a nightmare."

Brent Clarkson of the planning department, told the development services committee: "The thing which needs to be considered is that if the application is refused on the grounds mentioned today, there is every chance that the developer will win on appeal."

Councillors deferred the scheme until a site visit by highways consultants and councillors.

Nobody from William Blythe or developers Arrowcroft Northwest, was available for comment.

A spokesman for the HSE said: "In any industrial situation, a great deal of effort goes into making sure possible danger to the public is kept to a minimum.

"In effect, the figure of 60 houses relates to the number of residents who can be given a measure of protection and be moved away quickly in the event of an accident."