PLANS for a storage and service yard in Oswaldtwistle were rejected because of fears over noise and visual impact on nearby homes.

The proposed Eagle Plant development at land to the rear of Kirkham’s Garage, West End, Oswaldtwistle, had been recommended for approval by members of Hyndburn Council's planning committee.

But residents from nearby Buttermere Drive objected to the plan, claiming it would affect their quality of life as well as impacting the value and saleability of their homes.

The application site consists of a rectangular area of unused land.

The majority of the site would have been used for storage containers hired out to construction companies while there would also have been a permanent cabin for welfare/office facilities and a permanent container for storage.

Residents' representative Brian Adams told committee members: "We feel it is far too close to our properties.

"It would restrict our ability to sit in the garden. Noise levels are expected to be substantial.

"Just because the proposal is deemed acceptable in planning terms does not make it right.

"If this application was in the same proximity to your property as it is to ours, would you allow it?"

Paul Kynaston, of Eagle Plant, said four people would be initially employed at the site with the possibility of an extra two members of staff being taken on.

He said the firm would work with residents to limit the impact in terms of noise, light and visual impact.

But planning committee members were split over the proposal.

Cllr Stuart Eaves said: "My concerns are to do with the visual impact on people and the acoustic tests.

"The site could act as a natural amplification area and generate more noise than people think will happen.

"It could be a real problem for residents."

Cllr Marlene Hawarth said: "My biggest concern is the noise. It all seems to be a lot of noise which I don't think I would be so happy living this close to."

But committee chairman Cllr Eamonn Higgins said: "Without noise there is no industry. I have heard that the developers seem very reasonable in their approach.

"They have offered to engage with the residents."

The application was refused after seven members voted against the proposal, with six in favour.