RESIDENTS in Milnshaw will ‘sell up and move’ after controversial plans for a large housing development were passed, a local councillor has claimed.

Despite a petition containing almost 90 signatures, and several objections from nearby residents, a project to build almost 100 homes at Hameldon Mill, in Marlborough Road, was approved by the council’s planning committee.

Local UKIP councillor, Malcolm Pritchard, who lives close to the site in Moss Hall Road, expressed his displeasure at the decision.

He said: “It’s a bit disappointing but we have to accept it now. The powers that be did it, so I don’t know now, we will see. I know a lot of people in Moss Hall Road are putting their bungalows up for sale and moving.

“I will keep fighting for the residents around here.”

Deputy council leader Paul Cox said he asked the committee to include planning conditions after being approached by concerned residents.

He said: “The conditions were to move one of the footpaths and that a fence backing onto Ribblesdale Avenue could not have access points put in.

“I think a lot of residents will be satisfied now. I spoke to other areas of the estate and I think, in general, a lot of them welcome the fact there will be a nice development which will improve the area from an industrial site into a nice housing development.”

Coun Cox said he was concerned about the state of Ribblesdale Avenue, but said the county council had plans to bring it up to scratch.

He added: “If this development is going to go ahead, the road network needs to be improved.”

Persimmon Homes will build a mixture of two, three, and four-bedroomed homes, as well as bungalows.

The development will use land between Moss Hall Road and Ribblesdale Avenue, used as warehousing space by Express Gifts. The company is said to be considering a move and release of land.