TEMPERS flared at a public meeting to discuss a controversial housing development in Earby.

A heated discussion took place when disgruntled residents aired their views over plans to build up to 50 houses on Pendle Council-owned land off Bawhead Road and its junction with Wentcliffe Drive.

The initial planning application was withdrawn in March due to concerns over the access off Bawhead Road.

An amended plan now proposes access off Bailey Street, but nearby allotment holders are being asked to move so the road can be widened.

The allotment holders have been consulted by Earby Parish Council about relocating to Cemetery Road.

Although initially against the idea, a majority have now reluctantly agreed to the move after Pendle Council agreed to meet conditions for the new site, including the same sized plots, new fencing, a water supply and the provision of a vehicle and driver to transfer equipment.

Residents are still concerned about the development, however, citing increased traffic, a narrow access road, added pollution, noise congestion and the safety of schoolchildren walking to the nearby primary school as their main concerns.

Trevor Cassidy said: "If it is a democratic process, why don't you listen to the people that live here? It is us that have to put up with it, not you or the councillors or anyone else."

Pendle Council engineer Peter Atkinson said a draft report had been drawn up to tackle the majority of highways concerns.

But objections were also raised about the loss of the land as a playing field, although planning manager Neil Watson said the plans included a possible £60,000 to create a multi-use games area elsewhere in the town.

Parish councillors have demanded that Earby gets more from the development, however.

Members called an emergency meeting with Pendle executives to discuss the possibility of the borough handing over the former training room on Victoria Road to the parish council. The building is currently up for sale and tendering is open for bids.

Coun Joyce Myers said: "There is no harm in pushing for as much as possible because they will be getting quite a lot out of this scheme."

Mr Watson said there was still time for residents to put in writing their objections, but added that the land was an allocated housing site and there was no argument in principle for the development.

The application is due to be determined at the West Craven Area Committee on Tuesday.