RESIDENTS are drawing up battle plans to block a move to build homes next to Springvale Garden Village in Darwen.

The proposed development of 21 detached houses has angered residents who have formed a 14-strong committee called the Springvale Residents' Conservation Society.

They are now organising a petition against the new homes and letters of protest.

There are just 12 houses and eight bungalows in Springvale Garden Village.

Resident Mrs Hilary Marlot said: "If the houses were built, they would block the view and destroy the green area of land next to our home.

"The local school is already full, so there will be no room for children coming to the area."

Mum-of-four Mrs Marlot said houses had already been built on nearby Martin Drive, Cranberry Lane, Clough Street and Thompson Street.

And she is angry that the history of the area would be destroyed if the development went ahead.

She added: "Springvale Garden Village is the last Quaker village to be built in England, and if the development went ahead our history would be cut off and there would be no where left for the children to play."

Peter Kuit, the council's assistant director of planning, said the matter was unlikely to go before the planning committee before April.

Robert Parker, of John Pallister Chartered Surveyors of Clitheroe which submitted the application, said: "We chose this area because it is designated in the local plan for residential development."

Tomorrow (Saturday) protesters are staging a walk to highlight their campaign and to encourage more people to sign the petition. They will walk from Craiglands car park to Clough Street, up to Jacks Key Drive and then to Cranberry Lane.

Children will be sponsored to raise money for a fighting fund. Anyone who wants to take part in the protest can join the walk, which starts at 11am.

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