WORRIED residents are fighting a plan to build homes on nearby fields and allotments because of the extra traffic the scheme would generate.

They have gathered a 180-name petition opposing any moves to build houses on land at the end of Bracewell Street, Nelson, and plan to hand it to councillors.

Pendle Council, which owns the land, is proposing to sell it off for housing to raise much-needed cash.

An outline planning application to build 24 housing association homes on part of the site is recommended for approval by councillors when they discuss the scheme on Monday.

The remainder of the area, which stretches behind Bath Street towards Barkerhouse Road, is also earmarked for housing and a new primary school. Sheena Dunn, of Bracewell Street, who is co-ordinating the campaign against the development, said: "Local people are very worried about homes being built on that land.

"New properties have already been built on Bracewell Street. That estate has at least seven houses empty and I know another three families are moving out within the next few days. This new development is not necessary.

"We're worried about traffic because there's a school on Bracewell Street and I've seen cars hit the speed bumps in that road so fast that they've left the ground.

"The children have nowhere to play so they play football and cricket and skate in the street.

"Another 24 family homes with more to come would mean even more cars along Bracewell Street. "It would also put an even greater burden on local schools which couldn't cope with more children."

The council's Nelson committee is recommended to grant permission for an outline plan by North British Housing Association to build a mix of terraced and semi-detached homes on the allotments site.

A report to the committee says the initial layout of the estate fails to take into account the need for access into adjoining land for future development. The housing association's agent has been asked to adjust the layout.

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