A GOVERNMENT inspector has rejected an appeal by a housing developer to build 34 new homes on green fields on the outskirts of a village.

Seddon Homes' plan for Hayfields in Salterforth was turned down by councillors on Pendle Planning Committee despite officers recommending approval.

The scheme on green field land east of Beckside (another Seddon development) caused protests from residents.

The firm appealed the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

Louise Verey, who lives on Earby Road, said at the time of the application in June last year: "This development will adversely impact every single villager of Salterforth and beyond to include Barnoldswick, Earby and Kelbrook."

On Tuesday government planning inspector Andrew McCormack rejected the developer's appeal.

He said: "I find the level of development proposed in this appeal to be disproportionate and inappropriate in terms of its location and available services, facilities and infrastructure in place.

"I conclude that the proposed development would not constitute a sustainable form of development.

"The proposed development would provide several benefits which have been advanced by the appellant, including affordable housing, the provision of local open space and tree planting.

"Notwithstanding this, whilst noting that such public benefits would be realised, when considered individually and cumulatively, I find that these would not be so substantive as to outweigh the significant harm which I have identified."

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said, “I am pleased the inspector has agreed with the view of the ward Councillors and local residents that the proposed application would have a detrimental impact on the village.

"We must ensure any new developments are in the right location to meet Pendle’s needs and not just forced onto green fields to suit the developers.”