PLANS for 110 new homes on a greenfield site in Darwen have been approved by the borough council despite complaints from residents and councillors.

The development on Kirkhams Farm, between Cranberry Lane and Jacks Key Lodge, proposed by Bloor Homes, received 101 letters of objection outlining concerns around drainage, traffic and flooding.

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However, the Blackburn with Darwen council planning committee felt they had no choice but to grant approval because there was no opposition from officers and they could not afford to contest at appeal.

Sudell Councillor Paul Browne said he was unimpressed with the attitude of the committee which he found inconsistent.

He said: “On some occasions then the officers have recommended the plans for approval, the committee have thrown it back, but on this issue they will not refuse it because they are saying the officers are the professionals.

“I do not agree with that. You still have individual freedom and the right to say what you think.”

Cllr Browne was one of many who had huge doubts about the development, particularly regarding the road congestion.

He said: “It’s absolutely barmy situation to put all those houses up there and then have all the traffic coming in when its bad enough as it is around there. The roads will not be wide enough.”

Mr and Mrs P Edwards of Martin Drive had said in a letter to the council: “Cranberry Lane is already a busy road that ends in a cul-de-sac. A further 220 plus cars would add to congestion, making it dangerous.

“The railway bridge to the right is very narrow and used by double decker buses and large HGVs and the narrow footpath on one side of the bridge is dangerous even when two cars are passing, let alone when buses and HGVs are involved.”

The other main concern had been flooding as the site had in the past become waterlogged.

Marsh House councillors Frank Connor, John Roberts and Tom Evans said in a joint letter: “We have seen the amount of water that comes from the higher fields. We strongly believe that if you hard surface the land the access water will make its way to River Darwen at the Clough and the river will be unable to cope with it leading to flooding.”