RESIDENTS are objecting to a scheme to build on an old mill site because of fears that vibrations will damage their homes.

Great Harwood residents whose homes back onto the former Premier Mill site said damage to their properties was caused by building work when the first half of the site was developed in 2006.

The demolition of the Arthur Street Mill building and ensuing work to build new homes, which are now complete, caused constant vibrations, according to Windsor Road residents.

Now the residents are objecting to a bid to erect 12 bungalows on the remainder of the site, which is just 12 feet away from the rear of their properties.

Hyndburn’s Planning Department has however recommended the application be approved as it goes toward providing the borough’s housing shortfall.

In a report, chief planning officer Daniel Hartley said: “Issues of damage to properties are private matters between the residents and developers and not relevant to the consideration of the application.”

One Windsor Road resident, who asked not to be named, said: “The last time was just incredibly stressful.

"The constant vibration made everything in the house shake. It was like a non-stop earthquake.

“We ended up with cracks in the ceiling plaster, but some people had cracks in their exterior walls.”

The letter to Hyndburn Council from Windsor Road Residents Group reads: “The demolition of the mill and construction of new homes caused prolonged and extreme ground vibrations.

"Barnfield are aware of the damage, as they undertook surveys of the interior of our homes.

“Although we were promised a copy of their findings, we have never received them.