PLANS for a controversial new school in Nelson that would see run-down empty homes in a conservation area demolished have suffered another blow.

Councillors on Lancashire County Council’s development control committee have decided to see for themselves the houses that would be ripped down should they grant planning permission for Whitefield Primary.

The committee will visit the site, which English Heritage had campaigned to be saved, on Thursday.

The county council will then make a decision on plans for the school on July 4, before Pendle Council’s planning committee make a decision on a linked application to demolish properties in a conservation area that afternoon.

It has left community leaders, who feel the development would improve a blot on the area, frustrated at further delays on the £3.5million scheme.

Pendle County Coun George Adam said: “Most of the residents want the new school, Pendle Borough Council wants the new school, the kids want the new school, and virtually everybody in Nelson wants the new school.

“(In this area) the houses have been boarded up for the last eight to 10 years and there are very few people living there now.

“I was surprised it was down for a site visit, and speaking to the planning officer at Pendle council they want to get on with the conservation area consent and progress the new school.

“I hope it's not going to slow down the conservation area consent.”

Plans for the school were first unveiled two years ago, but campaigners have waged a battle against English Heritage and the Heritage Trust for the North West, which objected to plans to demolish 39 homes in McLeod, Appleby and Portland streets.