Fence villagers' objections to plans for four new homes

Mrs Rycroft submitted the application to Pendle Borough Council to develop the four properties on the land south of Spencer House Farm, in Wheatley Lane Road.

Having already been granted permission in principle, the developers are looking to build two three-bedroom and two four-bedroom dwellings from natural sandstone under a blue slate roof.

A new access drive and footway access are proposed for the development.

A planning statement said: “The proposed development will be an aesthetically pleasing, high-specification, quality sustainable development.

“The dwellings are designed to incorporate the traditional local vernacular architectural style of adjacent properties, in keeping with the existing traditional farmhouse, barn conversions and new dwellings upon the recently completed development.

“The scheme will protect and enhance the local natural and historical environments with additional ecological enhancements added in woodland upon the farm holding estate.”

The site comprises level grassland and is currently used for agricultural grazing.

Additionally, the applicant says that the development will provide well-designed, comfortable and sustainable development in a convenient location.

However, there have been four public objections to the proposal, with concerns raised about restricting light to existing cottages in the area.

There are also concerns about the proposed vehicular access being located on a blind bend.

One said: “The scheme put forward is greedy and out of step with the heritage character of the area.

"What is currently proposed detracts from the quality of housing that has been delivered directly adjacent.

“There are insufficient parking spaces for such density. You will have to re-route power currently being supplied to Dovecotes House, Ryecroft Lea Barn and Dairy, respectively.”

Despite this, some residents have been in support of the project, with some highlighting that the field is too small to grow crops.