PLANS to build 20 homes near to a popular waterway will continue to forge ahead despite concerns it will detract from the beauty of the area.

Salford-based developer Bowsall Limited already has planning permission for the development on land off Warehouse Lane, Foulridge.

The Leeds-Liverpool canal, popular with tourists, lies nearby on the opposite side of Warehouse Lane.

Despite this, the developers have lodged a new application, in conjunction with social housing provider Together Housing, to change some of the housing type of the development, which will comprise of two, three and four-bedroom houses.

It comes after concerns from residents and the Canal & River Trust that the development will ‘impact on the character and appearance’ of the 127-mile Leeds/Liverpool canal.

Concerns have also been raised about the close proximity of the plans to the one-mile Foulridge tunnel from Barrowford to Foulridge, which attracts a lot of visitors including to Cafe Cargo, a bistro on Warehouse Lane.

Simon Tucker, Area Planner for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The main issues relevant to the trust as a statutory consultee on this application are the impact of surface water drainage and the ability for this to enter the canal.

“The canal is visible from the south from Warehouse Lane, and the frontage of the development here will impact on these views.”

“There could also be an impact on highways accessibility to the canal-side during construction activities.”

Cllr Graham Waugh, who represents the area on Pendle Borough Council, said: “The proposed development lies next to a number of old warehouse factories.

“They are quite ugly-looking and I’d question why the houses are being built near to these?

“But the developers said they are going to build a wall to screen this from the site, and I personally don’t object to the plans which will develop a vacant site.”

Yigal Landey, Land Manager at Bowsall Limited said the traditionally designed houses will be developed and secure ‘much needed affordable properties’ in the village of Foulridge.

Mr Landey said: “This new application is to change the house types of an already approved scheme which was granted permission, by Pendle Borough Council in February this year.

“The development will utilise local architecture and respect and enhance its setting."