PLANS to knock down an old storage unit and build five new homes in its place could go ahead despite parish council objections.

North Turton Parish Council objected to proposals to demolish the steel building on Blackburn Road, Edgworth, citing over-development of the site and unsuitable access for the extra traffic which would be generated.

Objections were also received from two nearby residents.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council planning officer Nick Blackledge is recommending members of the council’s planning and highways committee approve the proposed development when they meet on Thursday.

Developers say they would like to redevelop the land and improve its visual appearance.

They say the proposed homes are small-scale and sympathetic to the character of the area.

Lancashire Archaeological Advisory Service said that the site is thought to have been crossed by the line of a Roman road from Manchester to Ribchester.

Council planners say appropriate consideration has been applied to the possibility that the proposal could encounter buried archaeological remains associated with the Roman road.

Accordingly, a condition is recommended to require agreement and implementation of a programme of archaeological work, prior to commencement of the development.

North Turton Parish Council clerk Glenys Syddall said: “North Turton Parish Council objects to outline planning application 10/18/0183 for the redevelopment of a brownfield site to create five detached dwellings at Wayoh Barn, Blackburn Road, Edgworth, on the grounds that it is an over-development of the site, and the access is unsuitable for the additional vehicular activity which will be generated, being situated at the top of a steep hill, close to a blind bend.”

A statement by Robert McKenzie of P Wilson and Company surveyors, on behalf of the applicants, reads: “The application will add to the council’s five-year housing supply.

“From the pre-application advice received previously, the applicant believes that there is no significant adverse impact to outweigh the benefits as set out in this statement."

“Furthermore, we believe that the scheme is therefore acceptable in planning terms and would make a positive contribution to Darwen and the wider area.

“The fact is in favour of the development therefore strongly supported grant of outline planning permission, on that basis we respectfully request that planning permission is granted.”