PLANS to build 10 apartments in the Ribble Valley have been recommended for approval despite opposition from local groups.

More than 20 objection letters have been made against a proposal to erect 10 properties at land off Wilkin Square, Clitheroe.

Lappet Manufacturing Company Ltd, who made the proposal, aim to make five of the apartments one-bedroom in size and the remainder two bedroom.

If the proposal is approved each of the blocks would be allocated a garden area, which will be dedicated for use for the residents of the ground floor apartments.

The submitted details also propose that the primary point of vehicular and pedestrian access to the properties will be off Wilkin Square.

Residents have objected to the these proposals because they are alarmed about the impacts the development will have on parking in the town.

They fear the development will lead to an increase in traffic in the area, add congestion in the town and cause further disruption to school traffic.

A spokesman for Clitheroe Civic Society said they were concerned about the proposal because they are worried the development will fail to accommodate for the increasing amounts of traffic in the area.

Clitheroe Town Council has also objected to the application because of the impact the proposals will have on parking at the Mosque and access to St Michael and St John's Church.

The plans have been recommended for approval by Ribble Valley Council's director of community services.

In the planning statement, he said: "It is considered the proposal will result in the redevelopment of a brownfield site that will bring forward new housing within a highly sustainable location benefitting walkable access to public services and facilities.

"It is further considered that the granting of consent will bring forward a form of development that will contribute to the overall enhancement of the Clitheroe Conservation Area.

"For the reasons outlined above the proposed development is considered to be in broad accordance with the aims and objectives of the adopted development plan and do not consider that there are any reasons that would warrant the refusal to grant planning permission."