A NEW housing estate is set to be built in Darwen, despite claims from residents that it will lead to a loss of green space.

But developer Hargreaves Homes will have to spend £151,000 on traffic-calming measures and new play facilities before building work can begin on the site.

Members of Blackburn with Darwen planning and highways committee approved the 112-home plan, on land off Marsh House Lane and Pole Lane.

In a report to the committee, the site was described as a 'rather featureless open field.'

Several objections were received to the proposals, mainly from neighbours claiming they would lose privacy and views if the project went ahead.

A letter was also received from nearby firm Canopies UK, which expressed fears that building houses close to their factory could leave them liable to noise and smell nuisance claims in the future.

But officers from Blackburn with Darwen Council believe the extra planting of trees around the boundary of the housing estate should solve any potential problems in the future.

The new play area will be created in Blacksnape playing fields.