MORE than 2,000 objections have been sent to Blackburn with Darwen Council over a controversial traveller site plan in Lower Darwen.

The campaign, which is backed by MP Jake Berry, has seen members of the community speak out against the proposed travellers’ site.

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The council is due to make a decision on the planning application to turn the former Lawnmower Specialists in Sandy Lane into a caravan site.

Applicant John Loveridge had sought planning permission to change the use of the plot, and erect one static caravan, three touring caravans and an amenity building before withdrawing the plan in December.

Mr Loveridge then moved caravans onto the site and reapplied for planning permission, using a loophole in the planning process which prevents the caravans from being evicted until the planning application has been dealt with by the council.

Mr Berry, whose constituency includes Lower Darwen, said: “It’s clear from the sheer number of people who have objected against this site that this is not an appropriate place for these plans.

“I have been working closely with local councillors to make sure that everyone in Lower Darwen has their voice heard. I hope that we are listened to by the council.”

Ward councillor Jacqueline Slater said: “The final recommendation for the site is due to be announced on March 3.

“We are hoping for a positive result and will be disappointed if they do not listen to the swell of opinion against this application. “Lower Darwen is still a residential area and village environment and the wrong place for this planning application.”

The petition comes after residents packed into Trinity Church in Sandy Lane to voice their opposition to the proposals last month.

Will Straw, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Rossendale and Darwen, said: “It’s important that officers and councillors take local residents’ concerns into consideration when considering all planning applications including this one.

“I hope in particular that the concerns about the pressures on the infrastructure will be taken into account and that the council comes to a sensible decision.”

The original application was submitted to the council in 2014 but was withdrawn following a number of public meetings.

However the application was resubmitted to the council last month.

There will be a public meeting to discuss the planning application on Tuesday, February 24, from 6.30pm at Lower Darwen United Reformed Church in Sandy Lane.

The Lancashire Telegraph was unable to reach the applicant Mr Loveridge for comment.