DETAILED plans for a new estate of 14 homes in Barnoldswick should be refused on drainage and privacy grounds, West Craven councillors have agreed.

But, before the scheme, off Ben Lane, can be rejected by Pendle Council, it may first have to go to the authority's Policy and Resources Committee later this month for its members to make the final decision.

Members of the West Craven area committee were yesterday evening recommended by planning officers to approve the scheme, which already has outline planning permission and is the second phase of an 18 home development, the first four homes of which have full planning permission, won on appeal, and is under construction.

But, at Tuesday's meeting, at the Rainhall Centre, Barnoldswick, councillors voted to refuse the reserved matters application because of concerns over impact on local drainage, and the close proximity of the new development to two existing properties on Skipton Road.

Members were however told by planning manager, Neil Watson, that in his opinion, the reasons for refusal put forward by councillors, would not stand up appeal, and would likely result in an award of costs against the council. He said he would consult with the council's head of legal services, and if he agreed, the application would be referred to policy and resources for its members to determine when the committee meets on January 20.

The Simpsons Homes scheme, planned for grazing land, outside, but next to, the Barnoldswick boundary, includes three five bedroom detached homes, and three four bed; four four bed semi-detached, and four three bed semi-detached. All will have their own garages and their own driveways, with a minimum of two parking spaces.

A decision by the West Craven Committee had already been deferred to allow for further consideration of the drainage and landscaping issues to be undertaken. The report to the committee on Tuesday said additional drainage and landscaping details had been submitted. Further details on drainage had been received from United Utilities and amended plans submitted by Simpson Homes which had 'adequately addressed' privacy issues for conservatory extensions on Skipton Road.

But Councillor David Whipp said the whole development should have been shifted away from Skipton Road to adequately satisfy privacy issues for existing properties; and predicted that there would be more flooding in the area. He added he did not accept what the water authority United Utilities had said about the ability of the drainage infrastructure to cope, commenting it was 'not living in the real world'.