PEOPLE living in the shadow of a planned motorway service station in Darwen voiced their concerns during a public meeting.

Earcroft councillors Mike Barrett and Simon Danczuk invited householders from Oaksfield bungalows, View Road and Redvers Road to discuss proposals for the development on land near Oakenhurst Farm, just off the M65.

Peter Prendergast, from Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning department, also attended to help allay fears.

Coun Barrett said: "We called the meeting to ensure local residents were aware of the proposals and had the chance to have their say.

"With a turnout of more than 50 people we realised that this was an important issue to them."

Coun Danczuk added: "We'd already spent a lot of time going over the proposals with council officers, but local residents mentioned issues that hadn't been considered."

Issues raised included whether vehicles would have access to the service station from the A666, what screening would be put in place to combat noise and visual nuisance and if a nightclub would be opened the site.

Coun Barrett told the meeting that all access to the site both during construction and when it opens will be from the motorway junction. He promised that good and effective screening will be put in place, although further discussion was required with the developer.

Previous applications for a nightclub on the same development were said to have been dropped.

Coun Danczuk said: "The meeting went extremely well and according to feedback from those who attended they appreciated the chance to put their views and learn more about the development.

"We are now considering organising another meeting for residents of Anchor Estate, which is also nearby."

The proposals are due to be considered by councillors at a planning committee meeting in the near future.

Assistant director of technical services Peter Kuit said: "It is a large application which is still being evaluated.

"There is an outstanding consultation with the Highway Agency and we hope to have a report ready for consideration by councillors in March or April."

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