REGARDING the planning application for the conversion of the former Laneside home for the elderly in Mill Hill, Blackburn, into flats, this was thrown out on the last two occasions on the grounds that cars round the building would cause congestion.

Mill Hill is supposed to be a regeneration area, but in dealing with this application no thought has been given to its residents. I got up a petition with 100 names against this development and there were some 40 letters of objection.

After being refused planning permission on two occasions, the owners of the building reapplied with slight modifications to car parking and reductions in tenants.

I fail to see why it was passed. The council has already knocked down the Mill Hill high rise flats and now we residents are left with a three storey building that is to become more flats and the congestion hazards will be the same as those which were previously grounds for refusal of this development.

A pedestrian crossing will be needed on Shorrock Lane as there is a school in the area and cars coming and going to and from the new flats, together with buses, will make it dangerous for children and other pedestrians.

LESLIE BORROWS (Mr), Bonsall Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn.