LOSTOCK Hall residents are fighting a planning application to build an access road at one end of their estate.

Outline planning permission is being sought to build on land next to the railway in Lostock Hall with access from Wellfield Road.

But locals fear the extra traffic will be dangerous.

Resident Jane Sullivan said: "We live close by and are worried that there will be a serious traffic accident.

"There is a large proportion of under-12s on the estate who use the play areas.

"This are is so overdeveloped anyway that it would be a shame to lose more greenery.

"There will be an accident if this goes ahead."

Plans for a similar road were lodged around three years ago, to connect to a development of Housing Association flats and houses for homeless people and single parents.

But planning chiefs turned down the plan, quoting traffic problems as the main stumbling point.

Mrs Sullivan has arranged a petition against the proposed development and made the neighbourhood aware of the plans.

Only ten houses were informed by planning officials.

Commercial property consultant Sam Lancaster believes this application will be successful.

He said: "In August 1998, the Inspector strongly recommended that the site was allocated for housing from consideration of the merits of the site in the light of national and local planning policy, environmental issues, the borough housing requirement and site specific benefits accruing from allocation.

"The site at Watkin Lane is brownfield in nature, would provide a range of homes for local people and lies within easy walking distance of public transport, shops, schools and churches."

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