DEVELOPMENT on a controversial Pendle site could finally be given the go-ahead, despite long-standing protests from local residents.

Colne and District Committee reluctantly approved plans for the J A Transport site in Foulridge after vehement protests from residents living nearby.

The plans include the replacement of an existing garage building with a more modern building of a similar size on the site.

But, shortly after the decision, the agent for J A Transport announced they were actually looking at using the land for housing instead.

The company has now applied for outline planning permission to build 12 houses on the 0.3 hectare site, currently occupied by a commercial repair garage and haulage business.

Ten houses would run in a terrace parallel with the southern boundary of the site and two would be semi-detached at the head of the cul-de-sac.

Access would be off Station Road via a single road with footpath and the garden areas for the houses would be north of the site.

Foulridge Parish Council has submitted a letter stating that it would be preferable for the land to be developed as housing instead of its present use.

Members said they would want to be kept fully informed of all the suggested external materials subsequently listed on future plans for the development.

The plans are currently being revised to include a turning head and for the road and street lighting to be an adoptable standard. These will be reported to the committee on Thursday.

Officers have recommended the outline plans for approval subject to 15 conditions, including receipt of the amended plans.