A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to demolish an historic school which prompted objections from all over the world has not been withdrawn, contrary to rumour.

Hurstwood Developments of Rawtenstall is planning to demolish Lea Bank School and build luxury homes on the site and nearby Bluebell Woods.

More than 1,000 letters of objection and several petitions have been received by Rossendale Council planning department.

A spokesman for the council said: "The application has not been withdrawn but we are still in negotiation with the applicants who are considering an amendment to his submitted plans.

"They have not submitted amended proposals that we are prepared to go out to public consultation on. What we have said to the developer is that we feel the plan that has been submitted is contrary to the council's development plan."

He said one of the stumbling blocks was the proposed demolition of the former school but the building was not listed. The development is on greenland which is subject to restrictions for use.

Chairman of Rossendale Civic Trust Kathy Fishwick said: "We are trying to get further protection on the house and the grounds." An amended plan for a planning application for a controversial housing development off Heald Lane, Weir, was reposted last week and residents were given just seven days to respond with comments.

But the council spokesman said: "I doubt we would restrict any reconsultation on this application to just seven days. There will be a proper and timely public consultation we would not be wishing to guillotine the process."

The site is still owned by Accrington and Rossendale College whose representatives attended a meeting of the Save Lea Bank Campaign at Rossendale United, Newchurch.

At the meeting the college confirmed it had a contract with Hurstwood subject to planning permission being granted and they had a legal duty to get the best price for the site.

Hurstwood director Stephen Ashworth said: "At the end of the day we have a building that is going to absolute rack and ruin and we have the college which has a duty to get the best price for the site.

"We don't want it to end up another Ilex Mill. As a company we have to come up with a viable and cost effective scheme but we are also trying to address the environmental issues on the site."

Rebecca Lawlor, from the Save Lea Bank Campaign, said: "I am urging anyone who is concerned about the application to continue to send in letters of objection to the council.

"Our next meeting is on July 4 at 7.30pm when we will be inviting planning councillors to attend."