CONTROVERSIAL plans to build almost 170 homes could almost double the amount of traffic using a busy nearby road, according to predictions from consultants called in by Pendle Council.

A 44-page development brief covering plans to build the new estate on land off Halifax Road, Nelson, will go before councillors next week.

It includes a warning from transport consultants Tucker Parry Knowles Partnership (TPK) that the estate will have a "significant" effect on surrounding roads.

The amount of general traffic using Halifax Road will increase by up to a quarter in the morning rush hour and by up to 66 per cent, taking school traffic into account, according to a report from TPK.

Around 400 vehicles an hour currently use Halifax Road at peak times.

"The predicted increases in traffic on Halifax Road resulting from the development proposal can be expected to have a significant effect on the operation of neighbouring junctions, particularly that of Halifax Road/Hibson Road," the report adds.

Developer Fairclough Homes, which has applied for planning permission to build 167 homes on the site which crosses the Nelson/Brierfield boundary, will be asked to contribute towards the cost of improving the Halifax Road/Hibson Road junction either through traffic lights, a mini roundabout or creating a one-way system incorporating neighbouring Hill Place. Fairclough will also be asked to contribute towards traffic calming measures in Halifax Road, help towards the £80,000 cost of providing two play areas on the estate and to plant trees along the steep hillside leading up to homes in Kings Causeway.

The report says up to 30 homes could be served by creating two new "dead end" access roads from Edge End Avenue and another 30 by extending Marsden Heights Close. The main access to the rest of the estate would be off Halifax Road.

Outline planning permission has already been granted for 33 homes on a neighbouring former nursery garden.

A month-long public consultation on the development brief, which covers both the Fairclough plans and the outline permission, is proposed to give local people the chance to have their say on the schemes.

The brief will be discussed by the council's Nelson and Brierfield and Reedley area committees on Monday and Tuesday and its comments will be passed to the policy committee meeting on August 19.

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