GOVERNMENT watchdogs are to look into controversial plans to build a new housing estate of 162 detached homes in Bacup.

Councillors at Rossendale Borough Council have been told to refer the scheme to the Government Office North West as it goes against planning guidelines for Lancashire.

Wainhomes, based in Warrington, wants to build the three and four bedroom houses on land off Rochdale Road next to New Line in Bacup.

Developers started work on the site off Slack Lane, which has permission for 186 homes, but an amended plan has now been submitted.

Objections have been sent to the council stating that the land is greenfield, designated as countryside and is therefore outside the urban boundary.

Residents say the impact of over 200 cars using already congested roads would be detrimental, it does not include areas of appropriate public space and the material for the development (brick) would look out of place. There are also concerns that it will affect wildlife, including a badger settlement, the sewerage system would be unable to cope and it will impact on current infrastructure of schools, doctors and dentists.

The Joint Lancashire Structure Plan states that development should be located primarily in urban areas, main towns and key service centres.

Brian Sheasby, development control team manager, said: "The proposal is contrary to the provisions of the development plan. The site is outside the urban boundary and is a greenfield site that should not otherwise be coming forward for development before other more sustainable brownfield sites in the locality."

But, asking councillors to pass the matter to the Government, he added: "The fact remains that a 29-year-old planning permission remains valid and capable of implementation and a re-commencement of that development has already occurred.

"The relative advantages in both design and environmental terms of the current proposal over its predecessor are considered to be sufficient to justify support of the proposal subject to referral. "

Planners will discuss the application at tomorrow's Development Control meeting at Futures Park, Bacup from 6.30pm.