A ROW over Colditz-style fencing around a development site in a scenic Ribble Valley village has been settled by inspectors.

Barrow residents complained that proposed steel fencing around the village's former printworks would make the site look like a prison camp.

Steel spokes on the fencing would be dangerous to youngsters using a play area at nearby Washbrook Close, the residents claimed.

But Pilot Properties, which owns the site, said the fencing was necessary to keep out trespassers and vandals.

The site is potentially dangerous and will become more so as heavy construction equipment moves on, the firm argued.

Inspector Norma Farish said: "I agree that a tall industrial fence in this position is obstrusive in a rural landscape featuring hedges and wooden posts.

"However, this is land allocated and approved for industrial development and conspicuous investment in improvements to the A59 seem sufficient evidence to the appellant's intent to progress the development within a reasonable period. "I take the view that, although the fencing is not in keeping with the character and scenic qualities of the locality, bearing in mind proposed land use, permission is granted."

A spokesman for residents said afterward that he was "disappointed" with the decision.

The Barrow printworks site has planning permission for up to 600,000 sq ft of offices and light industry, as well as a hotel and petrol station.

Developer Hugh Geddes said there had been considerable interest in the site from Ribble Valley employers seeking to expand without leaving the area.

The Highways Agency has widened the A59 and built a new roundabout to improve access to the site.

The road scheme, which cost £1.5m, is expected to be finished next month.

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