CONCERNS a town's green spaces could be shrinking have been expressed following proposals to turn a former allotment and gardens into a caravan site.

Applicant Anthony Kelbie has submitted proposed plans include building five static caravans and creating five spaces for mobile homes on land to the rear of Milton Street in Oswaldtwistle.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said he was concerned about the proposals as the site formerly housed an allotment and gardens.

He said: "I have expressed my concerns about this application because it is very near one of our nature reserves and its showing the town's green spaces are starting to disappear.

"This is something no one would like to see happen.

"A few residents have also expressed their concerns about the application.

"We will have to keep an eye on this application and see where it leads."

The site was used as an allotment for several years before it was terminated in 2014.

The static caravans will consist of one double bedroom and a single bedroom and will contain a bathroom, a toilet room, and an open plan lounge and diner.

Access will be taken directly from Monarch Street with a private cul-de-sac.

Within a planning document, a spokesman on behalf of the applicant said during construction, vehicle movements will be no greater than a typical housing development.

The caravan bases will be constructed from concrete and new hazel and blackthorn hedging will be planted to reinforce the existing hedge boundary.

Within a planning document, a spokesman on behalf of the applicant said: "Bat and bird boxes will be provided at around six locations within the development as will log and rubble to form a hibernaculum for the newt populations.

"The removal of the previous approved separating fencing will provide an easy passage for the local wildlife.

"Tree planting will provide shelter and nesting opportunities for the several species of birds known to inhabit the area.

"The site has been used until recently as gardens and allotments for local residents until the tenancy was terminated by a former owner in 2014.

"The site is located within 200m of main bus services on Union Road which also provides a range of shops and services allowing to site a level of sustainability."