PLANS to double Hyndburn’s gipsy and traveller pitch provision have been given the go-ahead.

Councillors on Hyndburn’s planning commitee agreed to the plans which will see an extension of the Whinney Hill site between Huncoat and Altham.

The decision comes despite objections from Altham Parish Council, which had concerns about the levels of traffic.

Lancashire County Council planning officers also asked the committee to consider potential traffic problems, pointing out that Whinney Hill is earmarked as a long-term waste disposal site.

But officers said they did not wish to make any formal objections to the plan.

Coun Doug Hayes said he welcomed the extension which would see government guidelines on traveller provision met until 2016.

He said: “This should close the door on illegal sites being created, so I welcome it.”

It will see an extra 10 permanent pitches and five transit pitches in addition to the 15 currently.