TWO controversial planning applications for 129 new homes and a holiday complex will be considered by senior councillors tonight (THURSDAY].

Pendle Council's Policy and Resources Committee has been asked to adjudicate on proposals for the new housing estate in Barnoldswick and the vacation cabins in Higham.

Both have generated significant objections.

The holiday homes plan has been referred referred to the councillors because the council's Barrowford and Western Parishes Committee feared its decision to refuse could lead to a significant risk of costs being awarded against the borough in the event of an appeal.

The plan for a new housing estate on site of the former Barnsay Mill in Long Ing Lane, Barnoldswick was submitted by developer Seddon Homes Ltd.

A report by Neil Watson, Pendle Council's planning manager says: "The application relates to the reserved matters of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the erection of 129 dwellings, a mix of three and four bed detached, semi-detached and mews properties."

Mr Watson says Barnoldswick Town Council and Pendle Council's West Craven Committee objected on the grounds of potential flooding.

Neighbours objected because of concerns relating to flooding, the impact on wildlife and air quality,traffic, the level of affordable housing, development of a greenfield site, and the impact on health and education services.

On Mrs. Daisy Whitehouse's proposed conversion of a barn into two holiday lets and building of five holiday cabins at Stone Fold Farm, Stump Hall Road, Higham, Mr Watson says: "The application site lies within the open countryside and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB].

"The proposed development is the conversion of the barn to two one bed holiday lets and the siting of five holiday cabins (two two bed and three one bed) within the garden of the property."

He reveals that Lancashire County Council Highways Department objected over safety at the junction onto Stump Hall Road.

The AONB expresses concerns about the proposed holiday cabins' visibility and impact on the tranquillity of the Upper Sabden Valley.

Higham with West Close Booth Parish Council objected saying: "The proposed appearance, type and style of the cabins is out of keeping and character with anything in the area."

Neighbours objected on grounds of road safety and harm to the landscape and wildlife.

Mr Watson says: "There is an identified need within the borough for the provision of tourist accommodation."

He proposes approval in principle for both schemes with details and conditions delegated to himself.