SENIOR councillors are to decide on a controversial planning application for new homes on green fields which has generated more than 150 objections from nearby residents.

KHC Developments Ltd has applied to Pendle Council for permission to build 63 houses on land east of Martinsway off Robinson Lane on the Brierfield/Reedly border.

The proposal has generated 160 letters of objection from local householders and a 180-signature petition opposing the scheme.

The firm wants to build six five-bedroomed detached houses, seven two-bedroomed detached bungalows, 14 three-bedroomed semi-detached houses, 18 two-bedroomed flats, 11 two-bedroomed terraces homes and seven four-bedroomed detached houses on the six acres of land.

Pendle Council's Nelson, Brierfield and Reedley area committee earlier this month recommended the application be refused.

It will now be debated by the borough's policy and resources committee on August 19.

The petition opposing the scheme says it will 'destroy a natural area of beauty and an asset to the people of Brierfield for generations'.

The design and access statement supporting the planning applications says: "The aims for this site are to create a pleasant living environment for residents that incorporates a safe environment for occupants, free from crime, with up to date sustainable housing to modern housing standards provided with privacy, amenity, safe access and with a design that is reflective of its edge of urban setting within Brierfield.

"The site is not within the designated Greenbelt area.

" The development design is deliberately low density.

"These proposals bring with them an improvement to Robinson Lane. They also bring modern family housing of all ranges."

A planning officer's report says objections concern the scheme's damaging impact local wildlife. including deer; the destruction of trees; extra traffic; and the loss of green land used by dog walkers and ramblers.

A spokeswoman for the Brierfield residents said: "There is a lot of anger about this. It seems to be open season and green land in Pendle. These houses will destroy much-loved green fields and views of which there are not many in Brierfield."

Bradly ward's Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, who sits on both committees, said: "Policy and resources will have to consider very carefully the views of the area committee and of the residents who turned out in force to its meeting to oppose the planning application."