A CAMPAIGN group fighting plans to build housing on green land in Colne is looking at new ways to beat developers.

Lidgett and Beyond is considering options including trying to buy the land, known as The Rough, off Skipton Old Road Residents were consulted on plans for 270 new homes in the area earlier this year, but it is now believed the developers behind that scheme are not going ahead with it.

Coun Sarah Cockburn-Price, secretary of Lidgett and Beyond, said: “We have heard that the developers have pulled out of this development.

“We would have expected a planning application by now.

“It is good news but the war is not won. The land could still be developed by somebody else and we have to keep the fight up.

“We have a positive bank account and over 600 members now, so we are in a strong position to fight any more plans on the land.

“We are looking at what we can do to protect the land. Ideally we would like to buy the land and use it as a community resource.”

Lidgett and Beyond can count on support from the pop world in their campaign, with Hollies drummer and local resident Bobby Elliott one the group’s members.

Developers behind the 270 home scheme held a consultation event earlier this year, attended by more than 500 people.

Coun Cockburn-Price said: “A 270-house development would have totally changed this area forever. That is why we have to protect this land.”

Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “We believe that the developers have withdrawn.

“As a council we are looking at how the land can be protected, but it isn’t as simple as saying, ‘you can’t build on there’.”