A PLAN to build more than 200 homes in Great Harwood has received its final seal of approval.

Outline planning permission was granted in 2015 for the project in Lyndon Playing Fields, despite more than 1,150 residents signing a petition against it.

The final reserved matters for the 217 home site including access, landscape and layout were unanimously approved this week by Hyndburn Council’s planning committee.

The Keepmoat development will include detached and semi-detached homes, alongside bungalows, on the site in Harwood Lane.

This is despite more than 20 objection letters being received raising concerns.

These include concerns over ‘inaccuracies’ with the plans, issues with vehicle access and whether adequate buses would be available.

Cllr Eamonn Higgins, chair of the planning committee, said: “I think that it is tremendous news for the borough the project got the green light.

“It’s a great success for the area to see that it is going ahead and it’s nice to see people investing in Hyndburn as opposed to going over to the Ribble Valley.

“In total 20 per cent of the properties will be for affordable housing.”