CONTROVERSIAL plans to build more than 30 houses at Long Ing Lane in Barnoldswick have been refused.

The proposed scheme by Stirling Investment Properties LLP is for 31 three and four-bedroom homes in detached, semi-detached and terrace blocks.

The properties were proposed to be two and three-storeys in height, with some stepping down to reflect the topography of the site.

However, councillors on the West Craven Area Committee rejected the plans on the grounds of unacceptable design and layout.

Barnoldswick councillor, David Whipp, said: "A lot of the three-storey dwellings would be completely out of character for that part of Barnoldswick, and the layout of the site would be adverse to nearby properties."

The developer had previously won an appeal in December 2014 for an outline application to build 29 homes on the site.

Those plans had been met with huge public objection, including a petition signed by 550 people.