RESIDENTS opposed to a ‘controversial’ 110-home development on a green field on the outskirts of Darwen have accused developers of riding roughshod over planning regulations.

It comes as they say the developers began marketing the site to buyers before their planning application has even been determined.

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Bloor Homes want to create 110 new homes on land known as Kirkhams Farm between Cranberry Lane and Jacks Key Lodge and have begun dropping leaflets through doors in surrounding areas and seeking expressions of interest for the properties from residents in Darwen and Edgworth.

Existing residents of Cranberry Lane and areas surrounding the site said they faced a significant change to their outlook if the development was given the go ahead.

Campaigner Suzanne Halliwell said: “It’s as if the developers are doing their level best to wind up the residents and completely ignore their concerns.

“The Save Cranberry Lane from Development group has a large number of objections to this development, none of which have been addressed, and there is no way they should presume planning permission will be granted. How can you market a site based on a development proposal?

“The site has very difficult access for cars and other vehicles, is completely waterlogged even after the gentlest downpour and is the home to so much wildlife, many of which is protected.

“We just can’t see how this this development can go ahead.

“Not just that but surrounding roads on Pole Lane and Sough Road are already congested with existing traffic. They just couldn’t take any more and what they are also forgetting is this site has four footpaths running through it, which provides significant local facility for local people to exercise and enjoy the local countryside.”

But it’s not just planning concerns that the group has and they believe others in Darwen should be asking questions about the company’s marketing strategy.

Will Straw Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Rossendale and Darwen said he supported the residents’ campaign.

He said: “It is disgraceful that Bloor Homes is marketing their properties before the ink is dry on their planning application.

“I have grave concerns about this these plans. We need a normal planning process to be complete before the planners go any further.”

A spokesman for Bloor Homes said they believed the proposals would make a ‘positive contribution’ to the area. He said: “The scheme would provide new homes where they are needed, helping to attract and retain residents that are looking for high quality housing .”