Complaints over plan for 40 homes on farmland

Plans for 40 new homes on farmland on the edge of a town centre have provoked complaints from residents over fears of traffic "chaos" and the loss of green space.

The new homes, including affordable houses, could be built on land at Lower Carr Farm, off Yarraville Street in Rawtenstall.

Developers RDK Construction (BL8) Ltd said the effects on the landscape would be "localised and limited to the site".

Rossendale Borough Council's planning committee will meet on Tuesday to rule on the application.

Locals residents have written to the council to object to the plans, citing impacts on traffic, drainage and the landscape as major concerns.

Ian Thornton said there was already a "struggle" to park in the area, adding: "Extra new properties would cause more parking chaos."

Thomas Williams said: "The proposed development will result in the direct loss of a significant area of green space."

Negotiations have thrown up suggestions including a contribution of £21,000 from the developers towards an indoor sports facility.

Other ideas included £5,700 towards a semi-natural green space, £640 for allotments, and £1,000 per new house towards a playing pitch and a play area.

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