A PARK could be protected from developers if special status is approved by Pendle Council.

Fields in Trust (FIT) has declared Sough Park, near Earby, as a lost Carnegie Field and was part of a £200,000 programme by the Carnegie UK Trust in 1927 to create, protect and improve playing areas.

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Although one of the conditions of the original grant said the park in Colne Road would remain open for public use, it was never mentioned within the conveyance. For the land which holds a war memorial, football changing rooms, bowling green and pavilion, to remain as a park, the park can be entered into a deed of dedication.

Pendle already has two green spaces previously protected by FIT under different protection programmes, King George V Playing Field and Holt House Playing Fields in Colne.

The deed of dedication would see the park stay as it is with no chance of housing development taking place.

Within a council report, a spokesman said there are several benefits for Sough Park being recognised as a historic Carnegie Field.

He said: “We would be making a recognisable commitment to local people to safeguard land, facilities and opportunities for sport, play and recreation both now and forever.

“It is important to protect public access to outdoor space and provide reassurance to potential investors regarding viability and sustainability.

“It will raise awareness of the importance of such facilities in the context of quality of life, health, the environment and amenity and it gives the greater opportunity to access FIT related grant funding and other external funding streams.”

A FIT spokesman said: “We are now in communication with various landowners about improving the protection of the identified Carnegie Playing Fields with a view to awarding the two improvement grants thereafter.”

A decision will be made at the West Craven Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 6 at the Rainhall Centre in Barnoldswick at 6.45pm.