RESIDENTS have won a battle to stop developers doubling the size of an exclusive housing estate.

Pendle councillors said they were prepared to risk a public inquiry into their decision to refuse planning permission for Bellway Homes to build 28 homes on land off Eskdale Close, Reedley.

Neighbours mounted a campaign of opposition to the scheme.

They said an original approved scheme to build 13 homes was acceptable but the new plan amounted to an over-development of the site which could lead to a traffic hazard on estate roads.

Former planning officer and council chief executive Bill Roberts, who represented the residents, told Pendle Council's policy committee: "This scheme is out of scale and character with the existing development. "The original concept was for low density development and there's no need to change this for the last part of the development."

Councillors backed the residents despite a warning from senior planner Andy Wiggett that there was a serious risk of costs being awarded against the council if it lost an appeal against the decision.

Ward councillor Allan Buck said: "We have a chance of winning an appeal, not much of one but a chance."

Fellow Liberal David Whipp added: "We're putting council tax payers' money on us winning that battle.

"There may be long odds but we're willing to chance it."

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