AN old furniture factory could be bulldozed and replaced by a new neighbourhood, plans have revealed.

Councillors on the Hyndburn Council’s planning committee are set to rule on plans to build 24 homes on the site of the former Winchester Furniture factory, in Norman Road, Oswaldtwistle.

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The three-storey and three-bedroom townhouses would be built alongside access roads, parking, and landscaping if the plans are given the green light.

Objections have been raised by residents living close by, although council officers believe the development would be ‘“high quality”’ and “‘attractive”’ and recommended it is given the go ahead.

The council’s chief planning and transportation officer, Simon Prideaux, said: “The proposal is considered to be a sustainable development and is compliant with both the development plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

“The scheme will deliver high-quality family housing within the short term, in addition to contributions towards public open space within the borough.

“The scheme will make an important contribution of 24 units towards the council’s persistent under-supply of housing.

“Overall, the proposal constitutes sustainable development and therefore recommends approval.”

Duncan Hannon, who lives in Norman Road, voiced his concerns about traffic in a letter to the council. He said: “The junction with Blackburn Road can be exceptionally difficult to exit, due to the number and location of parked cars at either side of the junction.”

His neighbour, Christine Alderson, said she was also concerned about traffic.

She added: “I am also concerned that the housing estate will cause an invasion of my privacy. Plans show a house backing onto the side of my house. Houses will overlook not only my garden but directly through my window into the main living room of my house. This is a major concern for me.”

Paul Chapman said he was not against the plans, but called on the council to solve existing parking problems before allowing the new homes to be built.

Austin Cook, in Whewell Row, said: “When reviewing the plans, it’s evidence that gardens would back onto the wall of my property, effectively creating a privacy issue.

“A secondary concern would be if developers decided to erect a taller fence on their side of the wall. This would create a significant natural light barrier.”

In documents lodged with the council, application C&P Properties said: “The proposed development is so designed to blend in with the surrounding modern housing whilst maintaining a design concept with the older terraced properties.

“The proposed development has its own distinctive identity and will enhance the character of the local environment.”

A decision will be made on Wednesday, January 21.