CONCERNS over a plan to build 123 homes in the Ribble Valley have been raised at a public meeting.

More than 60 people in Longridge met to speak against the proposed development for land off Higher Road.

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Among the worries that were raised included an increase in parking, drainage, more traffic and the impact the homes could have on the environment.

The plan, from applicant VH Land Partnership, would see a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom houses built, if approved by Ribble Valley Borough Council.

The application also requests permission to demolish a house in the road to create access to the site.

A spokesman on behalf of the applicant said the aim of the application was to build a sustainable development that would integrate into the town.

Cllr Ken Hind, who represents the area on the borough council, said a large proportion of the town was against the plan.

He said: “The application requires a bungalow at 74 Higher Road to be demolished creating a dangerous junction to give access to the site.

“Higher Road is usually lined with parked cars on both sides as many householders have to park their cars on the street.

“This creates problems for emergency vehicles and tractors and users of the caravan park and golf club.

“This is a relatively quiet narrow road, made worse by the parking situation and is not suitable for heavy traffic.

“Residents assert there are parts of the application that are superficial, wrong and inaccurate mainly relating to the issues of drainage, traffic, parking, environmental impact and protection of the conservation area.

“We do not need more three, four, and five bedroom market houses to provide homes in the countryside for people fleeing the industrial towns of the North West.

“The council should object to these plans.”

It comes as separate plans were submitted to the council to build 275 homes in Preston Road, which would include 172 market homes, 61 affordable homes and 42 single-storey dwellings for elderly people.

A VH Land Partnership spokesman, in a statement to the council, said: “We want to ensure that the development sits well in the existing landscape.

“The development will be easy to navigate with a clear hierarchy of streets.”