RESIDENTS have complained about plans for new houses saying they would worsen traffic problems which had already caused two drivers to ‘almost come to blows’.

An application was submitted to Hyndburn Council last month for 28 houses to be built in Rhoden Road, Oswaldtwistle.

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Cllr Judith Addison, who represents the area and sits on the planning committee, has encouraged anybody with views on the plans to contact the council after she received complaints.

She said: “A resident of nearby Roe Greave Road has been in touch with me expressing particular concern about the extra traffic he feels it will generate.

“The gentleman was prompted to ring me when he had witnessed two drivers almost ‘coming to blows’ near the shop because neither was prepared to give way to the other.”

The application from a Miss C Cronshaw is for one four-bedroom and 27 three-bedroom properties to be built.

Three objection letters have so far been sent to the council opposing the plans, citing traffic problems as one potential issue.

Simon Thomas said in a letter to the planning committee: “Anyone who lives in the area knows that in the rush hours there is serious congestion even now in Roe Greave Road.

“I totally disagree with the applicant’s transport consultants’ statement that the traffic impact of the proposed development would be minimal. It would clearly be significant.”

Richard Hollingworth also expressed concerns over the number of vehicles on the road.

He said: “It would be totally inappropriate to the character of the area.

“If one considers each unit would account for two cars, it would add 56 more vehicles to an already congested Roe Greave Road.”

The planning statement from agent Fitzgerald Planning and Design said: “This proposed development will make a valued contribution towards housing targets and would not result in any adverse impacts that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

The applicant has twice applied to the council to develop the land.

She applied for 17 dwellings to be built in 2010 and then 14 in 2011 but these were rejected by Hyndburn Council.