A RESIDENTS’ association is to meet with a social housing company to try to ensure locals are given priority for new homes.

Sabden Village Residents’ Association asked to speak to representatives of Calico Homes, which wants to build 44 social houses in the area.

The association is concerned that the village’s own residents might not be first in the queue for the new homes and that there may be an influx of people from outside the Ribble Valley.

The plans are for 16 three-story apartments, 14 social homes for rent and 14 houses for shared ownership.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss how tenants and buyers will be found for these properties, ensuring Sabden and Ribble Valley residents have priority over those from outside the borough.

Tricia Newmark, chairperson of the Sabden Village Residents’ Association, said: “It is a very good opportunity for the residents to meet with Calico and be able to speak to them about their concerns.

“We want to work in cooperation with Calico, not fight with them, and we hope we can get a better understanding of their plans and they can get a better understanding of coming into a village situation.”

Richard Newmark, councillor for Sabden who will be advising the association, said some children of Sabden residents had had to move out of the village because they could not afford to live there.

He said: “We are not against social housing per se, we just want to know that there is safeguarding in place for who we would get.

“Priorities should be given to Sabden residents who might want to move in.”

Martin Landless, development manager for Calico Homes, and Mike Birkett, the company’s chief executive, will be attending the meeting.

Mr Landless said: "We are looking forward to working with residents on this exciting new project.

“We will soon be holding a series of introductory meetings to discuss our organisation, our plans for the site and how we will engage local communities, and to ultimately put minds at rest.

"We will then look to hold quarterly meetings with those who would like to be further involved, where we will provide regular progress updates, discuss community issues, and answer any queries or concerns.”

The meeting between the residents’ association and Calico Homes will be held at St Mary’s Church hall in Sabden on 14 March at 8pm.