FEARS over loss of green spaces have been raised after a 250 homes plan for former school sites has been lodged.

Applicant McDermott Development has submitted proposals to build the houses on the former Habergham High School sixth form centre and the Hameldon Community College campus off Kiddrow Lane, Burnley.

Councillors and residents raised concerns and vowed to fight any development on the land and keep the greenspace in between the school sites.

In a planning document, a spokesman on behalf of the applicant, the development will not have an adverse affect on biodiversity.

Cllr Charles Briggs, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said Kiddrow Lane residents were angry over the prospect of losing the green space.

He said: "I have absolutely no qualms about building on the former school sites, they are on brownfield sites and they're an eyesore.

"However it's the green part in the middle which I, and many residents, are concerned about.

"It's a beautiful piece of land and the housing plan is going to pull up all the trees and take away our green spaces.

"We are also worried about the infrastructure, there's going to be hundreds of extra cars on the roads nearby."

The 26 acre site is more than half green open space including former playing fields and 'habitat areas'.

Cllr Neil Mottershead, who represents the area on the council, said: "I cannot object to them building on the footprints of the old schools that’s brown field site.

"But I am appalled at the plan to build on green field site and to remove trees and build on the only open green space left in our area.

"250 houses, most households have two cars that’s another 500 cars coming onto Kiddrow Lane, it will be total chaos.

"There is enough traffic problems in the area now."

The applicant spokesman said: "The development will deliver a range of important economic, social and environmental benefits, and make a valuable contribution to meeting identified market housing needs in Burnley.

"It can be delivered in the short term to help boost the five year supply of deliverable housing land.

"It will redevelop and recycle vacant, previously developed land in a sustainable location in the urban area.

"It will result in the demolition and clearance of the former school buildings on the site that are a visual blight to the area and source of vandalism and nuisance.

"The layout has been designed to provide a sense of arrival into the site from both Kiddrow Lane and Scott Street."