A CAMPAIGN has been launched against proposals to build more than 100 homes at the edge of a town.

This comes as Future Habitats Limited has submitted plans to build the houses on a field north of Meadow Way, near Skipton Road, in Barnoldswick.

Councillors and residents have launched a 'hands off' campaign in a bid to stop houses being built on the greenfield site.

Concerns were raised by councillors over the lack of infrastructure to cope with extra residents and flooding risks, as in the past the land was prone to flooding.

Within a planning document a spokesman on behalf of the applicant said the proposal will offer 'high quality development'.

Cllr David Whipp, who represents the area on Pendle Council, said he has had several people come forward and raise their concerns.

He said: "I am utterly appalled at the proposal of building more than 100 house on the most beautiful spot we have in East Lancashire near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

"According to government figures Barnoldswick needs more than 100 houses even thought I do not agree with this.

"I'm not surprised by people coming along and dropping these massive applications because the government, who do not know the area, say it's okay for them to do it."

Cllr Jenny Purcell, who also represents the area on the council, said: "We need to stop this becoming a concrete jungle.

"We don't have the infrastructure, we don't have the schools, the doctors surgeries, there's not enough to cope with extra houses.

"There's lots of nice houses in Barnoldswick that are not sold, why can't people buy those instead?

"It makes me very frustrated because new houses do not solve any problems, they create more.

Within a planning document, a spokesman on behalf of the applicant said: "

"Assessments demonstrate the site would not contribute to to flood risk elsewhere and can be suitably drained.

"The proposed development would generate employment opportunities in construction and in other sectors linked with the construction market.

"The proposal would support social infrastructure, providing a contribution towards education facilities."