A PLAN for nearly 80 homes in a parkland setting of a Pendle village has been refused by councillors.

Beck Homes Ltd had sought planning permission for 79 houses on land north-east of St Thomas Church, off Wheatley Lane Road, in Barrowford.

The plan, now dismissed by Pendle's policy committee, included new infrastructure and new access through a historic stone wall.

A Pendle planning officer had recommended approval to be delegated to a planning manager, who would consider various issues and conditions further.

John Wilcock, a Beck consultant, said: “Beck has been working on this for three years. We’ve had a lot of conversations with statutory bodies.

"Beck has just finished the Red Lane scheme, which was opposed by Pendle Council. However, bits were allowed by the planning inspector and have been a success.

"Beck wants to keep a presence in Pendle, building sustainable houses. This is part of that. In each case, this application passes planning policies.

“The proposed site is surrounded on many sides by existing development. It is not open countryside. It is close to the village’s centre and cannot be compared to the Pasture Lane application.

"They are like chalk and cheese. Each application should be judged on its individual merits. ”

But Susan Nike, for Barrowford Parish Council, said: "You must refuse this for many different reasons. Never mind what your planning officer says.

"At peak times, traffic in Barrowford comes to a standstill. Parents and children have to walk on the road because of narrow pavements and parked cars. There are also concerns about flooding problems and drainage.

“Beck’s plan for a footpath through the new site is nonsense. There are also concerns about the site’s closeness to the village’s conservation area."

Borough leader Cllr Nadeem Ahmed, said: "It would increase traffic and make attending appointments more difficult. 

"I move refusal and urge all councillors to oppose it.”

Cllr David Cockburn-Price added: “We don’t want green fields built on. If Beck came-up with a big plan for an old brownfield site, we would welcome it with open arms."