PEOPLE in Pendle need to say now where new housing should be built over the next eight years before it is too late, according to a council leader.

The Government and the county council have told Pendle Council to find enough land for another 1,000 new homes by 2006, of which about a quarter has to be found at once.

Most of the land has to be found in the built-up areas between Colne and Brierfield, although some will also have to come from outlying areas such as Barnoldswick, Earby and Barrowford.

Council leader Alan Davies, said: "It really does seem that Pendle has no choice about this. "It really is down to central government planning guidance and the county council structure plan, and the targets for new house-building in Pendle laid down by those bodies.

"We don't want to do this, but if Pendle does not identify land the situation will be even worse. Builders will be able to pick and choose virtually where they want to build and neither councillors nor residents will be able to do anything about it."

Pendle Council has already identified land for some 300 homes and other potential sites have been suggested by planning officers.

"No decision have been made about any of these sites," stressed Coun Davies. "Before the council makes any decisions and chooses which sites to put forward, we want to hear what people in Pendle have got to say.

"Decisions will not be made for at least three months. In the meantime there will be Press adverts, exhibitions and public meetings, and the chance for residents to address councillors directly.

"But I emphasis, if people have views on any of these sites they really do need to put them forward now."

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