THERE have been calls for changes to national planning guidelines after controversial plans for new homes in Barnoldswick were approved.

A total of 29 houses are set to be built on land off Long Ing Lane after developer Stirling Investment Properties LLP successfully appealed Pendle Council’s decision to reject the plans.

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The plans had been met with huge public objection, including a petition signed by hundreds, calls for protests, and the launch of a Save Barlick’s green fields campaign group.

Special projects, engineers, and community safety boss at Pendle Council, Cllr David Whipp, said he feared the floodgates could open unless changes are made to national policy.

He said: “The developers are able to cherry pick the sites they want at the moment and, although they may be good reason to prevent developments, they have got all the cards.

“Planning authorities and residents are in a very weak position.

“A change in national planning policy is needed but the prospect of that is remote to say the least.”

“Governments of all political persuasions have made it easier and easier for developers to get consent.

“Without overcoming that, I don’t see anything really happening to make the situation any better.”

Pendle Council said the plans were rejected because the development went beyond Barnoldswick’s settlement boundary, would have a detrimental effect on road safety, and that the “principle of development on a private street highway” was not acceptable.

But government inspector Geoffrey Hill said: “The appellants argue the council is unable to demonstrate that there is a five-year supply of possible housing sites across the borough and this should weigh in favour of the proposed scheme.

“The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that where a five-year supply cannot be demonstrated the policies for the supply of housing should not be considered up to date.

Mr Hill said the scheme would not put road safety at risk, and said the harm to the ‘character and appearance’ of the area would be “small.”

“Accordingly, the appeal should be allowed.”

Cllr Whipp said Pendle Council’s core strategy is due to go before a public enquiry this year has provisions for thousands of houses.