PLANS for a new housing estate on the site of the former Jimmy Nelson playing fields have been thrown out by councillors.

The £10million scheme for 106 new homes on the Nelson site was rejected by councillors because of concerns over the lack of a play area for young children.

But bosses at housing developer Gleeson’s have indicated that they are almost certain to appeal the council’s decision.

Only three councillors attended the development management committee to make the decision, the minimum number required by the authority.

Coun Sheena Dunn said: “I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that this proposal is going to be the best we will get for that area.

“Unfortunately, for me, it doesn’t tackle the problems, and the reasons I have for refusing the application remain in place. The lack of a play area doesn’t leave us with enough in the area to cater for the children.

“The new estate would take the number of family homes in the area to around 200 – that could be over 400 children and we don’t have sufficient facilities.”

Neil Watson, planning manager at Pendle Council, said the parks department had said there were enough facilities in the area, and any money from the Section 106 agreement between the council and developer could be used to fund improvements.

Coun Mohammed Iqbal was the only one of the three councillors to vote in favour of the scheme.

He said: “I am aware of the good work they [Gleeson’s] have done in the North of England with housing developments.

“I think their intentions are good for the betterment of the area and the betterment of the town.”

Steve Gamble, Gleeson’s land and planning director, said the firm was obliged to appeal the decision if an independent planning expert said the chances of success were above 50 per cent.

He said a third of the £10million investment would go on wages for local employees, either employed directly by Gleeson’s or through contractors.

The council had agreed a deal with Gleeson’s to sell a one-metre strip of land to them for £285,000, to build an access road on to the estate.

But that deal would only go ahead if the development was approved.