A ROW has broken out in Thornton after a Conservative councillor raised objections to land earmarked on Wyre's local plan for housing development.

The borough has a statutory duty to provide 5,600 extra homes and land west of Stanah Road is one of the designated sites.

Councillor Jim Lawrenson, who represents Staina ward, argues this would mean homes being built just 100 yards from agricultural land.

But his two Labour counterparts, Bernard Ryder and Jean Black, say the only alternative would be giving Barratt Homes the go-ahead to build on nearby Lambs Hill, a move Councillor Ryder describes as disastrous.

He explained: "We have been looking at the sites in the area very carefully and if one of them gets knocked back, the first place to look then is Lambs Hill.

"This area is designated countryside whereas the Stanah Road site is not.

"Lambs Hill is rightly described as the gateway to the Wyre Estuary Country Park and is frequented by horse riders, cyclists and walkers.

"It should remain as countryside in status and not be allowed as a housing site."

Councillor Black added: "If any of the identified sites are reduced or deleted, it would be very difficult for the council to defend Lambs Hill as a countryside area."

Barratt will put its case during a public inquiry on December 10 at which both Councillors Black and Ryder will attend.

There they will be backed by Councillor Lawrenson who said: "Lambs Hill should not be developed," but added he would also be putting up an equal fight for the land at Stanah Road site.

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