CONTROVERSIAL plans to build more than 120 homes are back on the table despite road safety concerns.

An application has been resubmitted to Hyndburn Council to build 122 homes at land off Broad Oak Road and Manchester Road between Accrington and Baxenden.

The initial proposal for the Devine Fisheries site was withdrawn earlier this year as 20 complaints were submitted raising issues such as stress it would cause to existing residents, worries wildlife would be destroyed and traffic problems.

Planning agents for the initial application Rural Futures (North West) Ltd, who stood down as agent for the new proposal, said the plans were withdrawn for further ‘coal surveys and highway layout work’.

However plans have now been resubmitted by applicant Windmill Rise SPV Ltd, who said it will be a positive for the area’s future.

A supporting planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: “It is considered that the proposal would have positive impacts in terms of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability.

“Any negative landscape impacts and loss of open countryside are considered insignificant and significant mitigation measures are proposed.

“Thus, on balance it is considered the proposed scheme has a positive impact in terms of sustainability.”

The site was historically part of the Broad Oak Printworks and features two remaining reservoirs used for fisheries, as well as two redundant landfill sites.

Cllr Terry Hurn, who represents Baxenden on Hyndburn Council, raised concerns about the resubmitted plans.

He said: “One of the biggest problems is going to be getting in and out of that site.

“Manchester Road is such a busy road, 122 homes is going to be more than 200 cars.

“It’s asking for trouble, it’s going to be dangerous.”

Ribble Rivers Trust has also submitted an objection to the new plans.