A PLANNING appeal to stop 270 houses and a GP surgery being built on land near Clitheroe has failed.

Ribble Valley Council had refused permission to Gladman Developments for the site, off Henthorn Road, as it was concerned it did not represent a sustainable development.

After a five-day consultation, the planning inspectorate decided the application was in line overall with the Government’s development plan and guidance and the appeal should be allowed.

The development will form part of Ribble Valley Council’s core strategy, which is in the final stages of being put together.

If approved, the strategy will mean 4,000 new homes will be built over the next 20 years.

Ron Loebell, on behalf of Clitheroe residents at the appeal, said he felt let down that the plans were being allowed to go ahead.

He said: “I’m disappointed but not surprised. It is a bit of a disaster.”

Mr Loebell’s main concern was there would not be enough school places to cater for all of the new families who will be moving into the area.

He said: “We are having hundreds of children coming in the next three or four years and nowhere to really put them.

Michael Ranson, council leader said: “We are extremely disappointed.”