A COUNCILLOR in Earby has spoken out against the sale of land which could see more than 40 new houses developed in the town.

"This issue came up 12 months ago and we got Pendle Council to drop it," said Cllr Goulthorp, chairman of the West Craven Area Committee.

However, the disposal of land at Aspen Grove, Bailey Street and Red Lion Street has resurfaced and the issue was discussed at last week's Pendle Council Executive meeting.

According to a report written by Housing, Health and Economic Development Services manager Julie Whittaker, it is estimated that 20 new homes could be built at Aspen Grove, with Red Lion Street and Bailey Street earmarked for 15 and eight new houses, respectively.

The Bailey Street site is an open grassed area while land at Aspen Grove and Red Lion Street are agricultural fields.

Cllr Goulthorp said the Red Lion Street site also includes area of 'scrap land' being used as a car park by local residents.

He said: "It accommodates 15 to 20 cars and if sold it would be a double whammy for residents by creating more congestion. The road is already like a chicane now, and so residents are up in arms about this.

"All three of Earby's borough councillors (including Cllrs Rosemary Carroll and Morris Horsfield) are opposed to this," said Cllr Goulthorp.

"There are two brownfield sites in Earby that would result in more development than these three sites."

The sites he is referring to are at the bottom of New Road, and include one derelict mill building and a semi-derelict site now being used for garages.

"These brownfield sites could make way for a hundred houses, but the three sites that are being considered for the land sell off would only deliver 43 houses for Pendle Council," said Cllr Goulthorp. "It beggars belief."

Although he said Earby councillors "wanted it kicked out at the Executive," Executive councillors asked that members of the West Craven Area Committee further discuss the issue at its October meeting.

The Executive also asked Earby Town Council to come up with a list of alternative sites that could be developed.

"Earby Town Council has been put into the firing line, but I still think we should throw this out," added Cllr Goulthorp. "We should develop brownfield before any selection of greenfield sites.

"We're not playing snooker, so let's put brown before green."