A CONTROVERSIAL housing development has been ‘causing chaos’, concerned neighbours have said.

Twelve upmarket homes are being built on the former Hill Top Care Home site off Newton Drive, Baxenden, after plans were passed in June 2015.

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The construction is being carried out by Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction who has said it has been ‘working hard’ to keep disruptions to a minimal.

However Cllr Kath Pratt, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said: “Vehicles are blocking the road. Not only that they are wrecking the road surface and the grass on the side of the path.

“This has been going on for more than a year now. It’s a big problem for anyone trying to get in and out of the street.

“It’s causing a big disruption to people in the surrounding area.”

Cllr Pratt said that she has contacted the council’s planning department to speak with the developers over the problems.

Alice Fitzgerald, who lives nearby, said: “It’s a nice area, but now there’s workmen parking up and carrying big blocks of equipment around.

“It gets a bit chaotic at times for traffic. They’re ruining some of the grass at the side of the path as well.”

Geoff Stemson, who also lives nearby, said: “It’s good that houses are being built but it’s a small area.

“It’s a very tight road and when you see vans parked up all day the workmen coming and going it can be a bit of a nightmare.”

The plans also faced opposition before the work started and a total of 75 letters of objection were sent to the council over the application before it was passed.

Baxenden Cllr Terry Hurn said: “It’s difficult, it is a narrow road. You do get workmen using vehicles parking up and causing problems on the road.

“The site has been a bit controversial. I’d rather it was a smaller site being built there. There’s been a few problems.”

James Macaree, operations manager for Ring Stones, based in Burnley, said: “We are working hard to complete this development in the fastest and least disruptive way possible and have gone to extra lengths to resolve any concerns the local residents may have.

“At every stage our work is fully compliant with the advice of local planning officers and building inspectors, and we are continuing to ensure that this is the case.”