MORE than 70 houses will be built at a site in Rishton after plans were given the go-ahead.

Gleeson Homes’ application to build 75 properties at Parker Street Corner, where Parker Street and Talbot Street meet, was approved on Wednesday.

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During the consultation period, Rishton Community Association was set up to save the green space as well as other land in the town.

Hyndburn Council have approved 11 two-bedroomed, 56 three-bedroomed and eight four-bedroomed semi-detached and detached properties on the 2.2hectare site.

Applicant Gleeson Homes have pledged £30,000 to the council towards ‘the provision or improvement of public open space in Rishton’.

They have also offered £5,626 towards the provision of refuse collection and a contribution of £20,000 towards towpath improvements.

Katherine Jewell, secretary of RCA, alongside directors Keith Hodgson and Sarah Barton, carried out a survey of nearby residents on Tuesday evening.

Mrs Jewell, 33, of Talbot Street, said: “As expected, the application was approved by the planning committee.

“We got 82 responses with 61 per cent of residents indicating that they were willing to accept the compromise position with Gleesons on the understanding that there would be a payment from Gleesons to go towards improving Holt Street.

“However, that means that a significant 39 per cent responded that they wanted to continue to fight for the green even though this will now mean opposing the whole development.”

Objections to the build included the loss of greenspace, impact on wildlife, the negative impact of building work and anti-social behaviour.

In response, Steve Gamble of Gleeson Developments, said: “The final design incorporates the mature trees along Parker Street and allows for their retention.

“The final scheme retains an area of open space on the Hermitage Street frontage which will allow the retention of the Rishton clock and Christmas tree and also allow for the provision of a seating area for residents.

“It is recognised that this area is smaller than the existing corner, however Further open space will be provided at the canal side.”

Cllr Ken Moss, who represents Rishton, said: “The application has been passed.

“Gleeson Homes have compromised.

“There is going to be some of the corner retained as part of the development of open space so it is not a total loss.“The way forward is to find a means of making that a sustainable green space because it will still cost the council money.”