A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build 500 new homes at Barrowford will be looked at ‘very, very carefully’, according to the chairman of the local planning committee.

Peel Land and Property have submitted outline planning consent for the site between the Barrowford bypass, Wheatley Lane and the Wheatley Springs estate on the outskirts of the Pendle village, which the firm has christened ‘Trough Laithe’.

The plans, revealed last month, have been met with opposition from residents, who were given the chance to have their say during a 21-day consultation process.

Many complained the period was too short and took place during the school summer break when residents were away on holiday.

The decision on whether to grant planning permission will be made by the six members of the Barrowford and Western Parishes Committee of Pendle Council at their October meeting.

Committee chairman Cllr Linda Crossley said the proposal would be considered thoroughly.

She told the Lancashire Telegraph: “The application has been lodged with the council. Neighbours near the site have been notified and asked to comment by August 26.

“A lot of people are very concerned about the construction of 500 houses and I can quite understand.

“It is a lot of houses and has an awful lot of implications, such as schools, medical services and transport links.

“It is a very important matter and we will need to look at it very, very carefully.”

In a leaflet distributed in the area, the developer said the site would provide a £3.7million new homes bonus to the council, £900,000 to Lancashire County Council and £860,000 in council tax to Pendle Council.

The company also claims there will be a £9.5m ‘uplift’ in gross annual income from the new employed residents given construction jobs.

The Peel website states: “Our vision is to provide aspirational homes that create places for people to live, work and enjoy.

”