RESIDENTS have hit out at plans to build 250 homes on what they say is the only remaining green open space in a ward of Great Harwood.

More than 1,150 people have submitted or signed petitions objecting to the proposed development on Lyndon Playing Fields.

Reilly Developments Ltd wants to build the homes, a move that would need Hyndburn Borough Council to sell off the land.

And ahead of the authority’s planning-committee meeting on October 21, residents’ group Lyndon Playing Fields Association has urged councillors to reject the application and focus on building on brownfield sites first before “sacrificing local playing fields which have been used for more than 40 years”. At the weekend, more than 200 people attended a protest event.

Pauline Embley, association chairman, said: “Many people are concerned regarding the plans to build adjacent to a local abattoir, with the associated smells and sounds associated with such operations.

“They are also worried about how the infrastructure will cope and in particular the ability to see a medical practitioner without waiting for long periods.

“Many believe the council should pass plans to build on brownfield sites first before sacrificing local playing fields which have been used for more than 40 years.”

The plans also include developing land to the north of Harwood Lane and relocating Great Harwood Rovers Football Club to the site where four FA-standard football pitches and changing facilities would be installed.

The applicant said the existing children’s play area would be significantly extended and improved, and a 20m odour buffer zone installed next to the nearby abattoir.

Katie Delaney, of PWA Planning which is acting on behalf of Reilly Developments, said: “The concerns expressed by local residents are being fully considered as part of the application process.”

Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “Under the plans the local playing fields will not be lost but replaced with much better facilities on land nearby.

“Some of the other concerns will be very carefully considered by the planning committee.”