CLITHEROE’s deputy mayor has warned that the decision to allow up to 50 new homes to be built in the town may set a dangerous precedent.

Coun Kevin Horkin said he was concerned the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to allow the controversial development on land off Milton Avenue would lead to the loss of more green field sites.

He said: “I feel very disappointed and let down. Local people objected to this development and they were supported by Ribble Valley Council, who refused to give outline planning permission.

“I fear the fact that the developers have now been given the go-ahead may set a dangerous precedent which results in further local green belt land being lost.”

Coun Horkin wrote to the planning minister Nick Boles last month inviting him to visit the Ribble Valley to judge public opinion on new housing development for himself.

He said: “I haven’t even had a reply to my letter.

“These are very pressing issues which local people feel very strongly about and clearly we are being ignored.”

He called on residents to make their feelings known by writing to Mr Boles.