VILLAGERS have hit out at plans to build 59 homes at a former food factory site - calling the proposals "over the top".

Developer Barratt Homes want to build a mixture of houses and apartments at the former Peel Fold Mill site in Stanhill Village, Oswaldtwistle.

But members of the Stanhill Village Committee have hit out at the scale of the plans for the village, which has a population of just 300.

Hyndburn Council, who originally refused to grant planning permission, has now dropped its opposition to the development but a public inquiry will still be held next month after Barratt lodged an appeal.

An independent planning inspector will listen to the developers and the local council before hearing from any other interested parties, including residents.

Richard Hooper, of Stanhill Road, said residents will fight the plans.

He said: "This is not us saying not in my back yard' we actually encouraged developers to build houses there but this is far too much.

"I am absolutely amazed that Hyndburn Council does not support us on this.

"Stanhill is a picturesque village and 59 homes, including three-storey town houses and apartments, is far too many for the village to absorb and retain its intimate and friendly character.

"The village committee petitioned the council saying it supported housing development on the site but asked for fewer dwellings, green space, playing areas, and some sheltered housing.

"We are an active and welcoming community whose wishes and opinions are being ignored."

Council planning officer Brent Clarkson said: "Having had the opportunity to look at it again councillors have decided that they will not oppose the scheme at the appeal."

The Peel Fold Mill site has became a target for vandals and arsonists for the past seven years since a food factory closed down there.

The scheme will see 28 apartments and 31 houses built, some of which will be three storeys high.

The site, which is bounded by the former landfill site at Stanhill Quarry and the green belt at the edge of Oswaldtwistle, is known locally as the pickle factory.

The public inquiry and appeal will take place at Hyndburn Council's Scaitcliffe House offices in Ormerod Street, Accrington, on Tuesday, February 12, starting at 10am.