Stacksteads homes plan backed despite concern (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Stacksteads homes plan backed despite concern

5:28pm Tuesday 1st September 2009 in

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PLANS for new homes on the site of a former church are being supported by town hall officers despite objections from residents.

Under the proposed development the homes would be built on the site of the former St Joseph’s Church, in Huttock End Lane, Stacksteads.

However residents doubt there is a demand for more housing in the area, which already has several empty properties.

Many fear the scheme will cause traffic problems, noise and air pollution, and kill off wildlife, including bats, living in trees at the site.

St Vincent’s Housing Association is seeking permission to build three pairs of semi-detached houses and a terrace of four houses. The developer also wants to remove trees to make way for a private road, which will form new access to the site.

If the plans are approved, 15 car parking spaces will also be created.

Eleven letters and a petition signed by 34 people against the proposals, have been received by Rossendale Council.

In the planning application, the developer states an intention to provide affordable housing “to meet a recognised local need”.

But in a summary of the objections, it said residents “cannot see the benefit” of the proposed development.

It is feared the scheme will pose safety issues for children travelling to and from St Joseph’s RC Primary School.

The report said: “The loss of trees will impact upon the ecology and wildlife of the area.

"Since the demolition of the church a colony of bats has made its home in the trees on the site, as too have many wild birds and animals.”

But planning officers are backing the plans. They said: “It is considered the development would not undermine the council’s housing strategy, or result in unacceptable detriment to visual and neighbour amenity or highway safety.”

Councillors will decide the plans on September 7.