LARGE areas of land across Pendle are being considered for new homes as the borough aims to meet housing demand into the next century.

In order to comply with Government targets, Pendle Council has to find 50 hectares of land - the equivalent of around 60 football fields - for 1,000 new homes by 2006.

Eight priority sites providing 303 homes have already been highlighted and are capable of being developed in the next five years, according to a council report.

They are Albert Mill and Holmefield Mill, Barrowford; Highfield Avenue, Foulridge; Dotcliffe Mill, Kelbrook; York Street and Lambert's Woodyard, Nelson; Hartley Hospital and the former bowling greens, Allison Grove, Colne.

A number of other sites have already been allocated for new homes or received planning permission.

A report to the council's policy committee, which meets on Thursday, says local people should be consulted as fully as possible over future housing plans.

The report by planning manager Andy Wiggett says any further proposed housing site should meet Lancashire's planning blueprint.

A series of exhibitions will be held across Pendle during February to give people the chance to have their say on the plans. A final list of development sites will be drawn up by summer.

Possible sites for future housing include Pen-y-ghent Way and Greenberfield Lane, Barnoldswick; Church Street, Barrowford; Clitheroe Road and part of Lucas sports ground, Brierfield; North Holme and Salterforth Lane, Earby; Red Lane, Colne; and Whitefield Mill, St Mary's Street and Gib Hill, Nelson.

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