CONTROVERSIAL plans to change a private allotment site into a residential caravan park has been given the go-ahead.

Plans for the park featuring five static caravans and five smaller caravans off Milton Street in Oswaldtwistle were approved with conditions by Hyndburn planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday.

The proposals, submitted Anthony Kelbie, faced objections from councillors and residents and 15 letters against the plans were received by planning officers.

Complaints raised by residents in letters include traffic problems in the area, sewer and waste issues, and the sites proximity to a local nature reserve, meaning the development would be 'out of character' with the area.

However the planning committee said despite concerns they had no reason to refuse the recommendation of planning officers to approve the plans with conditions.

Chris Knight spoke at the meeting, on behalf of Nancy Thompson of Mitton Street, voicing concerns at the plans.

He said: "I honestly think they would look out of place and feel they would be out of character.

"The application for 10 units has potential for a lot more traffic.

"I worry with additional traffic movement it might cause difficulties to the sewer."

The applicant is a settled traveller, having lived on Hayes Lane Road, Oswaldtwistle for some 19 years.

According to the applicant, his intention is for him and his family members to live permanently in a number of the static caravans while renting out the others.

Cllr Stewart Eaves, who represents Oswaldtwistle on Hyndburn council. said: "I have real concerns about this development.

"There's a lot of traffic to get in and out of roads in that area at the best of times."

"I'm concerned this will lead to more big units going in and out of the site."

Planning committee chair cllr Eamonn Higgins said: "It is a bit of a controversial planning application.

"As a planning committee we must work within rules and regulations of planning law and that is what we must take into consideration."

Planning officers said at the meeting the applicant had stated to them it 'will not be a gypsy or traveller site'.

The proposed site is also adjacent to Foxhill Nature Reserve.

Cllr Tim O'Kane, sitting on the committee, said: "There are a lot of concerns about position to the Nature Reserve, but Natural England have come up with no comment."

The land was last used as a private allotment site and is also nearby to The Straits Conservation Area.

The decision was passed by six votes to three, while one councillor also abstained from voting.