CAMPAIGNERS opposed to controversial plans to turn a 7.9 hectare piece of land in Vivary Way, Colne, into an industrial and retail development have called for a public inquiry into the scheme.

The proposals to build a garden centre, builders merchants, offices and unit for both business and industrial uses were passed by Pendle Council earlier this month, despite opposition from residents and environment campaigners.

Members of the Colne and District Committee gave their approval to the scheme by Barnfield Construction, which will now go before the Secretary of State for approval.

Local Friends of the Earth campaigner Brian Jackson has already called for the resignation of the chairman of the committee, Coun Jo Belbin.

Mr Jackson said: "This is a silly scheme and there should be a public inquiry to examine the likely effects on Colne and the surrounding area."

At the meeting where the plans were approved Coun Belbin said the council had set some of the strictest ever conditions and added: "One of the things brought up at the meeting was that there had been a suggestion made about the contamination from the former landfill site and what might be part of that contamination.

"There were concerns that waste from the hospital could have been sent to the landfill, but it was pointed out that at that time there was still a waste incinerator.

"There were a lot of people who spoke at the last council meeting and to a special meeting held with the Environment Agency, but not a lot of people spoke this time.

"The discussions about this item did last an hour and I think we imposed 31 of the strictest conditions we have ever set.

"They included a flood risk assessment, air quality control, contamination, pollution prevention, light pollution. Anything B2 (industrial) use has to come back to the council for permission so that we know what each one is going to be and all the conditions have to be carried out to the approval of the Environment Agency and the planning department before they can do anything else."

The site is known to be contaminated as it was previously used to take household waste and materials from the construction of Vivary Way.

The main concerns raised by protesters included an increase in traffic, noise pollution and effect on air quality, light pollution, the possible contamination and emission of landfill gases, the loss of protected trees and the damage on existing business in that area.

Trees would be planted along the perimeter of the site with Vivary Way and other shrub and tree-planting would take place as part of the planning permission.