RESIDENTS are gearing up to fight plans for housing which would see their village ‘virtually double’ in size.

Skipton-based developers Broughton Estates have unveiled plans to build up to 70 homes on the Silentnight site in Salterforth.

Under the scheme, a mill will be converted into 10 properties and a 40-bedroom care home will be built on the Earby Road site.

But villagers are concerned the development would have a detri-mental effect on the area.

Jeff Haydock, chairman of Salterforth Parish Council, lives in Earby Road, near the site.

He said: “It has been used by Silentnight to house offices and a showroom and it includes the relics of an old mill that has probably been there for centuries.

“It is a site that features right in the centre of the village.

“Villagers are concerned that this major development is in fact an over development and will change the nature of the village completely.

“We’re a quiet backwater here and this new develop-ment would virtually double the size of the village.

“There is a nice beck and a lot of country walks in the area.”

According to Coun Haydock, the development would also lead to further traffic problems in Kelbrook Road.

He said: “It is a notorious junction for accidents and imagine another 70 houses and extra cars belonging to staff at the care home.

“At peak times, which is when the accidents usually happen, there would be a massive increase in the number of vehicles pulling out.”

The outline plans have been submitted to Pendle Borough Council.

Members of Salterforth Parish Council will discuss the issue at a meeting at the village hall at 7pm on Wednesday.

“We can only object on planning grounds and we’re hoping for a good turnout at the meeting,” said Coun Haydock.