RESIDENTS in Blackamoor Road, Blackburn, say plans to build industrial units on land behind their homes amount to a "monstrous intrusion" into their neighbourhood.

But planning chiefs from Blackburn with Darwen Council say they would like to see the scheme given the green light.

Councillors will be advised to refer the application to the Government's north west office in Manchester for a final decision.

Members of a campaign group in Guide which has been formed to oppose several proposed developments in the area - including one for a retail park - have flooded the council with objections to the plans for the land near Walker Park, off the M65.

One resident who wrote to the council said: "The proposed building, if approved, would be a monstrous intrusion into the only amenity left for us residents at the top end of Blackamoor Road. "The field immediately behind our properties is, and always has been, an oasis for us.

"It is used for safe play for children, and cricket matches have been played there."

Guide Village Residents Committee spokesman Pat Kennedy said: "This development would cause additional traffic hazards in an area where community and vehicle safety has already been compromised since the opening of the motorway.

"There is no need for further allocation of industrial land as Walker Park still has land and empty units available and there are also many empty units and industrial land available at Shadsworth Industrial Estate.

"At the moment many houses in Guide village are affected by artificial light from industrial units and new roads in the area and this proposal, so close to village homes, will certainly add to these problems."

Members of the council's planning committee will discuss the plans and objections at a town hall meeting on Thursday.

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