A MAJOR developer has overturned an order protecting allotments in the Ribble Valley which formed part of a site for more than 500 homes.

Last year the borough council, on the recommendation of Barrow Parish Council, listed plots off Whalley Road as an ‘asset of community value’.

But New Barrow Ltd, the company behind the housing bid, fought the designation at a land tribunal before Judge Peter Lane at Blackburn Magistrates Court.

Gary Hoerty, land agent for New Barrow, said it would not be appropriate to allow access to the allotments from Whalley Road while building work continued around the site.

Allotment holders were given 12 months notice last March. The developer wants to use the allotments site as a construction compound.

Allowing the appeal after reserving judgement, Judge Peter Lane said it was 'not realistic to think that the use of the listed land as allotments could continue' under the meaning of the Localism Act.