A COLNE couple will be able to fulfil their dream of caring for rescued horses after councillors eased fears over construction traffic.

The new owners of Harwes Farm, Black Lane Ends, plan to build a stable block and riding arena, as well as extend the house into a barn and shippon, to look after rescued horses.

But owners of a nearby stables were worried heavy goods vehicles delivering construction materials to the site could put children's lives in danger.

Colne councillors put off a decision on the plans last month to arrange a meeting between the applicants and neighbours. Now they have given the couple the green light, provided another meeting resolves safety issue.

Resident Sue Wharton said: "We had a meeting on Tuesday about this and we are making progress.

We talked about a meeting with the applicants to take it forward.

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The applicants' agent, Lee Duerdon, told the Colne and District committee his clients would do whatever was necessary to appease their neighbours.

Boulsworth Coun Alan Davies said: "The reality is there is not much at all between the concerns and fears of the applicants and those of the people operating the two businesses that are clearly affected by these proposals.

"If the whole thing could be brought in with a parachute and dropped into place there would be no hassle. I think it is down to us to broker a deal and get all the people round a table with somebody with knowledge of the health and safety issues.

"There is potential for substantial conflict between horses, children and construction traffic. There is the good will to sort this out and if that means a Pendle Council officer spending a couple of hours of his time, then that's money well spent."

Planning permission was granted subject to the result of the future meeting.