CONTROVERSIAL plans for 45 new homes in Guide will go ahead despite nearby residents’ objections.

A petition containing 30 signatures against the Wainhomes development off School Lane was received, as well as 12 letters citing fears the development would lead to traffic congestion and extra noise as well as depreciation in value of properties in the area.

Campaigners also say there are enough empty houses in the area and expressed concerns about site drainage and loss of greenery if the development was to go ahead.

But members of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning and highways committee approved the development after hearing from senior planning officer Gavin Prescott, who said steps had been taken to address concerns about traffic, with road improvements to be funded by section 106 contributions agreed with the developers.

Mr Prescott said there had been no objections to the proposal from the council’s highways department.

He added it had been agreed Wainhomes would provide £36,000 to provide speed reduction measures on School Lane, as well as a new pelican crossing.

Cllr Jamie Groves said: “I have no real objection in terms of these being good-quality houses for the people of the borough.

“I just want to make the point that one of the things people complain about on School Lane is speeding.

“I can see this is going to be addressed and that is very welcome.”

He added: “I think this development will be a good addition and it will attract people to move into the borough.”

Cllr Jacquie Slater said: “I have got concerns about traffic - it is horrendous.

“Additional measures are needed because drivers go down there like  a bomb and it’s not just cars - it’s wagons as well.”

Cllr Roy Davies echoed Cllr Slater’s concerns.

He said: “When I went up there it took me more than 10 minutes to turn my car around.

“Traffic was light but it was speeding along there.”

The completed development will consist of 16 three-bed homes and 29 four-bed ones.

Developers say any traffic generated by the new estate would have a negligible impact on the surrounding roads.

The council’s planning policy dictates any harm caused by building on green space should either be mitigated or the development should bring benefits outweighing the harm.

A statement submitted as part of the application, which was unanimously approved by committee members, reads: “While the development of this site will result in the loss of the function of the open space, the proposals will satisfy the latter two criteria as the loss can be mitigated by the improvement of green infrastructure located elsewhere and the benefits in terms of the provision of much needed family housing in this location will outweigh the harm caused.”

A further statement reads: “The vehicle access point into the site is to be taken off School Lane.

“The existing road provides good permeability and connections to the surrounding towns and cities.

“Pedestrian routes have been incorporated through development which link with the proposed development to the village through the existing play area.

“The site has been designed to complement the surrounding area, creating local identity and reducing anti-social behaviour.

“Well-informed design and material choice will give the development longevity, contribute to the townscape and raise the aspirations of the area. the detailed site analysis and extensive design process leading to a layout form that is developable and acceptable within the character of the area.

“The scheme will present a pleasing and buildable scheme that will provide much-needed quality housing for the area.”