A CONTROVERSIAL decision to potentially sell off land described as the ‘green lung’ between Nelson and Colne for housing has been condemned.

County councillor Azhar Ali, who has campaigned against the loss of part of Gib Hill to development, slammed proposals by Pendle Council which should pave the way for housebuilding on the land.

But town hall bosses say the sell-off – which includes sites in Brierfield, Earby, Nelson and Colne – is important for the authority’s economic future.

Coun Ali, who represents Nelson South at County Hall, has called on borough council leader Coun Joe Cooney to resign over the issue.

He said: “This is clearly a very political decision by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat part of the council to allocate a vast amount of land in Nelson – most of which is green fields – for housing.

“It leaves open the potential for Gib Hill to become a rat-run between Nelson and Colne.

“Instead the council should look at all the brownfield sites, either in public or private ownership, and minimise development on greenfields.”

The commercial value of Gib Hill alone has previously been estimated at £20million.

Coun Cooney said that less than half of the site’s 12 hectares would be developed.

He added: “In this challenging financial climate, the amount of money coming into Pendle through government funding and grants has reduced.

“We have no option but to look at other ways of generating capital. By disposing of these sites that have real development potential, we can continue with our priority of regenerating the borough and encouraging economic growth.”

Campaigner John Plackett said: “Last time Gib Hill was under threat, hundreds of local people jumped to its defence and it’s important that they make their voices heard again.”

Other sites are off Clitheroe Road, Brierfield, Great House Farm, Colne, Aspen Grove in Earby, and Further Clough Head and Trent Road, also in Nelson.