OUTLINE plans to build 17 homes in Kelbrook have been refused.

Members of the West Craven Area Committee turned down an access only application by Mr A Parker and Miss E Parker to build 17 homes on land off Cob Lane and Stone Trough Lane.

Neil Watson, Pendle Council planning and building manager, said: "The heritage assessment was very poor and wasn't up to scratch. We recommend refusal on heritage grounds."

Cllr Gary Wilson, a member of Kelbrook and Sough Parish Council, said "I'd like to thank the planning department for recognising Kelbrook as a jewel in the crown of Pendle.

"If this goes ahead, I'd see the backyard of one of these new houses, whereas now I can see Ingleborough in the distance. This would totally eradicate the heritage assets."

Cllr David Whipp said he was concerned about the impact on listed buildings in the area.

He said: "I've been familiar with this location for the last 50 to 60 years, and how significant Yellow Hall is to that area.

"When I try to visualise how these properties would be affected by the development, it really would wreck the setting of the listed buildings. The applicant has failed to assess the impact on the heritage assets."

Andrew Drummond-Burnett, chairman of governors at Kelbrook Primary School, also raised concerns about the development creating more traffic, which he said is an issue as a pupil had recently been knocked over in the village.

He said: "We have a very close knit school community and we don't want a pupil getting injured because of this new development."

Cllr Whipp said: "There are perfectly adequate reasons to turn it down on highway safety grounds.

"It comes down from national speed limit within a matter of metres from the site, and Waterloo Road is utterly chaotic at drop off and pick up times for school. Unless you see it, you can't appreciate how bad it is."

Matthew Wyatt, agent for the developer, said: "Planning policy encourages development on sustainable sites.

"There have been no objections from the technical consultees, and I feel we have delivered what was asked from us at the time," he said, adding: "You could defer approval to give us time to provide a more detailed heritage assessment."

However, councillors voted to refuse the application on heritage and highway safety grounds.