RESIDENTS in Cowpe have been left disappointed after controversial plans to convert Kearns Mill into a residential complex were given the go-ahead.

Rossendale Council's development control committee has approved Hurstwood's plans to build 19 apartments and 20 houses at the disused wool mill on Cowpe Road, despite strong opposition from a number of villagers, who said that 39 more homes was too many for the village to deal with.

Ash Davies spoke on behalf of the villagers at the meeting, raising their main concerns about increased population and traffic, and that the development will alter the village's character.

He said: "The 39 new homes will increase the size of Cowpe by 50 per cent, and it's just too much for the village, it's meant to be a rural area.

"The roads are narrow with sharp bends, and many children walk to school, so more cars - an estimated 80 more - is a worry.

"It also seems very impractical to build houses on a site that we know regularly floods."

But members went along with planning officers' recommendation to approve the proposals, on the grounds that the regeneration benefits outweighed the objections. Hurstwood Group chairman Stephen Ashworth said: "This scheme both protects the heritage of the area and is in line with government guidelines urging efficient use of brownfield sites.

"It will help regenerate the area and at the same time save one of the last remaining mills in Rossendale.

"Hurstwood has pledged to make money available for road improvements and for the village community hall, and will also contribute to a dial-a-ride bus service and undertake major culvert works."

But some residents remain unconvinced. Michael Fuller, of Boarsgreave Lane, said: "Having a dial-a-ride is all very well but some elderly villagers don't have a phone, and there are some places buses cannot get to."

"I and many villagers are not against developing the site - we are against this development.

"But we were not very surprised when it went through, as the developers are in such a strong position in Rossendale. I just hope that the council properly enforce the conditions."

Cowpe councillor Amanda Robertson said: "Unfortunately I could not be there for the emergency committee meeting, as I would have voted against the plans."