Several objections have been made after an application was lodged with the council to build two semi-detached cottages on land close to a listed farmhouse.

Moira Mortimer of Dam Head Studios, which comprises of a listed four-star hotel and cottage accommodation, applied to Pendle Borough Council last month seeking permission to erect a pair of one and two-bed affordable semi-detached cottages on land at Blacko Bar Road in Roughlee, Nelson.

The site, which is adjacent to the listed Dam Head Barn, is vacant, with the applicant proposing to build the cottages to a specification that would be in keeping with the surrounding buildings, while maintaining access to the site from Blacko Bar Road.

Objections have been made by neighbouring residents and the Parish Council, citing concerns over noise and access to services including sewers, water and electricity, as well as "destruction of the landscape" surrounding their village and worries about the adjacent listed building.

One objection stated: “If this planning is given it will open the floodgates to more, and when will it all stop…not until the beautiful village of Roughlee becomes ruined?”

While another read: “The two proposed dwellings are unnecessary and have no exceptional circumstance nor evidence of local need to justify them.

"Development would deprive villagers and visitors the chance to enjoy the current scenic openness of the approach into Roughlee and the visual isolation of the listed Dam’s Head farmhouse.

"The arguments in favour of this site appear threadbare yet the implications would be severe.”

The Environment Agency (EA) also objected to the plans because of the failure to provide a flood risk assessment (FRA).

The EA recommended the plans be refused and said: “The application site lies within Flood Zones 2 and 3, which is land defined by the planning practice guidance as having a medium/high probability of flooding.

“The National Planning Policy Framework states that an FRA must be submitted when development is proposed in such locations.

“An FRA is vital to making informed planning decisions. In its absence, the flood risks posed by the development flood are unknown. This is sufficient reason for refusing planning permission.”

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said the applicant would need to alter their plans in line with several recommendations and conditions before they could offer support for the application.

And statement from United Utilities read: “We recommend the applicant considers their drainage plans in accordance with the drainage hierarchy outlined above.”

A decision on whether to grant planning permission will be made in due course.