PLANS to make Nelson and Colne College a one-site campus have been hit by criticism from highways and planning officers.

The college wants to sell its Barrowford Road site in Colne and relocate the facilities to a base in Scotland Road, Nelson.

But planning officers have recommended councillors refuse the proposal after highways officers said there were major problems with access. College bosses said they will put forward a revised scheme.

The plan involves new a three-storey building fronting Scotland Road with kitchens, a theatre, art studio, music and computer rooms, as well as a beauty salon.

An engineering block and kitchen would also be demolished for a sports hall and computer suite, with more parking and an all-weather sports pitch.

Planning officers have no problems with the design or siting but proposals to construct a second site access with an additional exit on the roundabout at 13 off the M65 have caused big concerns.

A report to Pendle Council's Nelson committee, set to meet on Monday, criticises the idea, with a highways authority officer calling it "unacceptable".

He adds: "This roundabout is already experiencing operational difficulties with queueing and blocking at busy times."

The Environment Agency also objected, stating floor levels should be higher to reduce the risk of flooding.

College principle Dr Alison Birkinshaw said the plans would be resubmitted showing just the existing entrance from Scotland Road. She said: "We are about to submit new plans to one entrance site, which will be completely acceptable to the highways authority. It's important to us to make sure the entrance is safe.

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