PLANS to build 29 homes on land off Long Ing Lane in Barnoldswick have suffered a severe blow after a scheme was rejected for the second time.

The application by Stirling Properties Ltd had been refused by the West Craven Area Committee in June, but as Pendle Council's planning department was worried that costs could be awarded against the council it was referred to the Development Management Committee, which met on Monday (July 21).

At the meeting, the controversial plan was defeated by a narrow margin. Two Barnoldswick councillors, Cllr Ken Hartley and Cllr David Whipp, were amongst those who voted against development.

Cllr Whipp said: "We proposed rejecting it because the development would jeopardise highway safety, part of the site went beyond the settlement boundary and the proposed development didn't respect land set aside for the street in front of houses on Moss Side."

He said the road layout of Long Ing Lane was "inherently unsafe" because an access road for the site would put three junctions (including Valley Road and access to the Silent Night car park) very close together.

He also said with lorries often accessing Silent Night, the "use of the road is different to a quiet residential street".

Moss Side resident Peter Crompton, a spokesman for the objectors, said: "This decision is a reward for the people in Barnoldswick who contributed to signing a petition and lobbying for support. They've done the hard work.

"I'm pleased the council has made this decision but it's not party time yet. There could be an appeal."

Cllr Whipp added: "I feel the applicant will go to appeal but we've got a good case to argue."