RESIDENTS and councillors have strongly objected to plans to build 102 houses near a "jewel in the crown" canal site in Barnoldswick.

Future Habitats Limited have submitted an outline application to build the homes along with access to site on land north east of Meadow Way, off Skipton Road.

As the application is for more than 60 homes, it will be decided by Pendle Council's Development Management Committee next week, however locals voiced their concerns at a meeting of West Craven Area Committee last Tuesday.

Linda McCreadie, who lives at the Old Lockhouse along Leeds-Liverpool Canal which is near the development, said: "This development would urbanise a rural area and would have a damaging impact on the landscape.

"The site is outside the development boundary, and on sustainability alone it should be refused."

She added: "The people of Pendle need and love this area and they should be able to enjoy the jewel in the crown of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal."

Ian Lyons, an Earby town councillor and Conservative candidate for Coates Ward, Barnoldswick, said: "This development would cause permanent and unforgivable harm to the surrounding area, including Greenberfield Locks.

"There would be a permanent loss of character to the area for both residents and visitors alike."

He also said that because of the development's location "residents could not fly their children to school but would have to take them by car" thus creating more traffic on local roads.

The applicant's agent, Christopher Carroll of AAH Planning Consultants, said: "We're aware of the heritage and highways concerns and we would look at another application to address them.

"Altering a new development would take time to get consultants instructed and it would be too late to do a new layout.

"My client doesn't like withdrawing applications and would like to get an approval or refusal, and then deal with any issues or come back with a new plan."

Neil Watson, Pendle Council's planning and building manager, said: "For whatever reason they didn't want to withdraw the application, and they want it determined based on the information before the council now. We as officers will be recommending refusal based on the current scheme."

Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp said: "They're gaming the system to get maximum gain for the developers."

He also outlined reasons on why the development should be refused.

Cllr Whipp said: "The heritage aspect is the most sound reason to refuse it. We are legally bound to protect heritage assets, and looking at the plan the area is chock-a-block with heritage assets. Greenberfield Locks is a most outstanding example of a canal lock.

"It would have an impact on the landscape," he added. "Looking across the drumlin field you can see the beauty of the area. It's an irreplaceable view.

"It's also a tongue of land extending into open countryside. This is clearly ribbon development and is wholly inappropriate."

Barnoldswick councillor Ken Hartley spoke of the historical importance of the area.

"Years ago, when you would see this particular field on a brilliant sunny afternoon there would hundreds of people picnicking on the grass and swimming in the water.

"For the many hundreds of local people, this has been their local amenity in many ways."

Members of the West Craven Area Committee then unanimously voted to object to the plan due to impact on the open countryside, heritage assets and landscape character.

They also voiced their concerns about highways, drainage and flooding issues.

The outline application will be determined at the next Development Management Committee meeting, which will be held at 7pm this Monday at the Rolls Royce Leisure Centre in Barnoldswick.