AN APPLICATION to build a development of 34 controversial bungalows has been approved by a council.

The homes, along with landscaping and road access, will be built on land south of Peel Park Avenue in Clitheroe.

Plans for the estate, which were submitted to the Ribble Valley Borough Council for consideration, were highly contested by residents living in the area who argued that the impact of the development would result in a loss of wildlife and the local habitat.

Concerns were also raised over drainage, traffic and a lack of local infrastructure to support the development.

In total, 16 letters of objection were received by the council alongside a petition containing 90 signatures.

But after council consideration the plans were approved pending legal agreement by planning officers.

Speaking about the homes, a spokesman for developers Applethwaite Homes said that the development will deliver a range of high quality, high specification homes for the local community

They added that there would be an 'attractively' laid out green that all of the homes would be positioned and orientated to overlook the community space.