A HOUSING development which will affect "every aspect" of village life was given the thumbs-up by Ribble Valley planners, subject to a clean bill of health from environment chiefs.

The borough council's planning and development committee gave Langtree Homes the go-ahead in principle to build 12 houses at the site of a former tip at Low Moor, Clitheroe.

But residents are up in arms and claim the development will blight their lives.

Clitheroe Mayor John McGowan told the meeting that the village had shouldered "more than its fair share" of housebuilding.

"Residents fear this development will affect every aspect of their lives. The village already suffers considerable traffic congestion and schools in the area can't cope with pupil numbers.

"The village has had more than its fair share of development and has changed beyond recognition. With only one access road in and out this development can only further damage village life."

The meeting heard that over 90 villagers and Clitheroe Town Council had objected to the scheme.

The Environment Agency is also concerned that the site might be contaminated with gas from the former tip and wants to conduct an in-depth survey.

The development was given the go-ahead pending the outcome of the survey and the construction of an access road.

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