WHALLEY residents spoke out against a large-scale housing development in the village at a public inquiry.

People from Whalley turned out in force to express their concerns about 80 new homes in their village at the two-day inquiry in the Ribble Valley council chambers.

The inquiry centred on an appeal lodged by The Co-operative Group against a council decision to reject a housing plan for the new homes on land near Riddings Lane.

Residents said their village will be ‘ruined’ if permission to build the housing development is given the go-ahead.

Nick Walker, local resident and chairman of Save Whalley Village Group, said: “I am concerned for the welfare, well being and life chances of the children in Whalley village.

“There are lack of school places in primary schools, lack of the possibility of expansion of existing primary schools and lack of school places in secondary schools.

“Children put their faith and trust in adults to do what is best for them.

"If this appeal is upheld, it will cause untold difficulties for all concerned, parents, pupils and teachers.”

The inquiry, overseen by government planning inspector, Harold Stephens, concluded on Friday with a decision expected in the next few weeks.