PLANS to build 12 homes on fields in a market town have been put on hold by councillors.

Members of the West Craven Committee of Pendle Council refused to rule on the scheme, off Bailey Street in Earby, when they met this week.

Instead they will consider the planning application next month after councillors have had the chance to read a new drainage and flooding risk report presented to them when they met on Tuesday.

The application ­by PEARL, the joint venture between Barnfield Investment and Pendle Council, would see 12 semi-detached houses built on the green space.

The bid has produced an objection from Earby Town Council, a 342-signature petition opposing it, and 34 letters of objection.

Several nearby residents spoke against the application and a new drainage report was tabled.

Earby ward Conservative Cllr Rosemary Carroll, who moved deferment, said: “We need to read this new report. I have yet to make my mind up but I would need my concerns about drainage and flooding eased to support it.”