A DEVELOPMENT for 42 new homes would be 'good news' according to councillors, despite residents concern over woodlands.

Plans have been submitted to Hyndburn Council for the development off Wood Street in Great Harwood.

Full planning approval was recently granted for 217 dwellings to be built on the Lyndon Playing Fields to the north of the site.

Three objections have been raised to the council in regards to the latest plans, citing worries to the impact it could have on wildlife in the area.

Planning agent, Accrington-based The Intelligent Design Centre, who submitted plans on behalf of Mr Sajid Hussain, said they are confident a successful development can be provided.

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said: "Obviously if it's good quality housing it's a positive for the town.

"It would be good to see this brought in to Great Harwood.

"It's a positive to see more brownfield sites being brought back into use.

"We just need to make sure the required amenities are on offer."

The plans also include provision to provide a playground, ball games areas and general open play space at the site.

The new homes would feature 16 three bedroom semi-detached houses, 20 two bedroom semi-detached houses, 2 one bedroom detached bungalows and four three bedroom detached houses.

The brownfield site has previously been used as a haulage plant depot and there remains one small storage building on the site near Wood Street.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on plans to an existing woodland near the site.

An objection submitted by Kathryn Keir, who lives in nearby Chatburn Close, said: "We enjoy the view, wildlife, peace and safety at the rear of our property.

"The proposed 42 dwellings is totally unnecessary on such a small plot of land and will destroy this wonderful piece of nature that is already there."

A statement from The Intelligent Design Centre said: "A successful housing development can be provided in this area.

"The key issues to overcome for this site are those that are peculiar to it."

The applicant said coal mining is recorded as being very prevalent in the area, however, it concluded that there are no mine shafts or entrance on the site