WEST CRAVEN councillors turned down plans to build three homes in Earby.

Plans by Graham Walker to construct three houses on land off Graylands Lane were rejected by councillors at a meeting of West Craven Area Committee.

"The height of the ridge in this plot would absolutely dwarf my bungalow," said local resident Duncan Walsh, who lives on Red Lion Street. "The design of the house is totally out of keeping with the area and should be rejected."

Another Red Lion Street resident, Bob Brown, spoke out about drainage and sewage concerns.

"I'm concerned water will run down the lane," he said. "The proposed soakaway is a joke and will overflow within minutes of rainfall. It won't be able to deal with the water coming off the moor."

The residents and local councillors spoke about traffic concerns, such as the width of the road and access for residents living in the area while a trench would be dug in the road to install the soakaway.

Earby councillor Rosemary Carroll said: "I agree with the residents' concerns over this development. I feel these houses will look like three storey homes and out of keeping with the area. I'm not happy at all, so I move this should be turned down."

Earby councillor Morris Horsfield added: "It's a non-starter as far as I'm concerned. It's lovely up there; imagine if these houses were stuck there."

The plans were unanimously rejected due to impact on the Earby conservation area and highways issues, however Neil Watson, Pendle Council's planning manager, said the plans could be overturned on appeal and costs awarded against the council, so he referred the application to the Development Management Committee, which will meet at 7pm on Monday in Nelson Town Hall.