OBJECTORS fighting plans to build 42 new houses on open land at Irwell Springs, Weir, say there has simply been enough housing development in the area and are pressing for the site to be used as a picnic area.

Nearly 40 people have sent letters of opposition to Tuesday's April 17 meeting of Rossendale council's planning committee.

They say the development would cause traffic congestion and hazard and would put additional pressure on stretched community facilities which could not cope with increased population demands.

But in their report to councillors, officers say outline planning permission should be granted on a site already earmarked for housing on the Local Plan.

They say traffic generated by the development would not be excessive for the local road network and the derelict state of the site would be remedied.

Planned tree planting would improve the area and adaptations to nearby reservoirs would reduce the risk they pose to public safety, the officers add.

Councillors will hear the scheme will involve the diversion of the River Irwell through the site and one of the reservoirs will be filled in.