CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a caravan park in Stacksteads have been discussed at a public meeting to give people a chance to voice their opinions.

Residents and shop owners in the village have already mounted a petition to prevent the plans getting the go-ahead.

Harold Crooks, of Farholme Lane, has submitted an application to Rossendale Council to build a site on land off Springhill Avenue for 62 static caravans.

Stacksteads councillor Michael McShea said he has been approached by a number of residents worried about the plans.

He said: "The application is for the caravans to be sited on farmland.

"We also have to take into consideration the different amenities which will be needed to run a caravan park in this area.

"The park will also need access, which will have to run right through the middle of woodland. A scheme of tree planting was launched here about 25 years ago which is now maturing.

"There is a lot of concern about the suggestion that a road would have to be built through the middle of the woodland.

"However, I don't think people should get too worked up about this proposal at the moment because it has not yet gone to the planning meeting, which is not for another couple of months. We will just have to wait and see what happens."

A resident living in the Tunstead Estate, Stacksteads, said: "This is bound to cause a real stir with local people.

"Something similar was set up in Haslingden and now they have no end of trouble with it. Crime has gone up, which we certainly do not want in Stacksteads."

The application is due to be heard at the next development control committee meeting of Rossendale Borough Council in January.