CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 24 homes on a road that links Burnley and Worsthorne have come under fire.

Proposals have been submitted to Burnley Council to build the houses in Brownside Road opposite Worsthorne Primary School.

More than 40 letters objecting to the plans have been sent by villagers in Worsthorne, worried about overcrowding in the village, loss of trees and increased traffic.

Residents were also concerned with the village losing its identity, as the homes will shrink the gap between Burnley and Worsthorne.

The planned properties would lie on the edge of the village, reaching Lennox Street, and sit on brownfield and greenfield land.

The plans are recommended for refusal.

One Worsthorne resident who objected to the plans said: “The development would create a wall almost like a barrier to the village.

“It would lead to overcrowding of the village.

"The houses would ruin the local landscape which is one of Burnley’s greatest assets.”

Previous applications to build on the land were refused in 2005 and 2006.

More than 150 complaints were received by the council last year when plans were submitted to build homes on the opposite side of the road.

That application was refused because the homes would have caused 'visual harm' and merged the town and village boundary.

A spokesman for the chair of governors at Worsthorne Primary School said: “The proposed access poses a significant risk to pupils, parents and staff and other members of the community.

“The new access is at a problematic point, opposite a bus stop and a school pedestrian access gate.

"There is an unacceptable risk from the likelihood and scope for accidents involving vehicles at this natural congregation point."

Duncan Baldwin, chairman of Worsthorne with Hurstwood Parish Council Planning Committee, said the plans would have a detrimental impact on the site’s environment and increase pressure on greenbelt land.

A spokesman for the developer said: “The site has the potential to create a sustainable, high quality residential development, which will integrate with the existing character of Worsthorne village and the wider area, enhancing the provision of homes in the village.”

The application will be discussed by the Development Control Committee 6.30pm on Thursday at Burnley Town Hall.