RESIDENTS are preparing to launch a new battle against a planning proposal that could see 275 new homes built in Clitheroe.

A public consultation on the possibility of building the properties at Waddow View has now come to a close and although an application has not yet been submitted to Ribble Valley Council for approval, Coun Kevin Horkin said those living in the area were already gearing up for another fight.

They were successful in blocking a previous application by the consortium of landowners, including Clitheroe Auction Mart, the Huntroyde Estate and John Taylor for 345 homes on the same site after a decision to refuse the plans by the council was appealed against.

An independant planning inspector reviewed the appeal and ruled in the residents’ favour.

But the consortium decided it would ask residents how they would feel about a smaller development on the same site through a public consultation.

Coun Horkin, who represents the St Mary’s Ward, said a public meeting, which will be attended by MP Nigel Evans, would be held on July 26 so that local people could discuss what they would like to do should a formal application be made.

He said: “The residents are ready for another fight.

“I had all the paperwork on the proposals and to me, there is no great difference to the original.

“At the end of the day, the residents do not want their green belt destroyed.

“It would inflict too much housing on a smal market town.

“Everybody knows there has got to be more houses, but it has got to be fair. Developments like these are destroying people’s communities.”

Coun Horkin said his main concerns were over traffic and Clitheroe not having the infrastructure to support so many new residents.

A spokesman for the consortium said: “Every single letter from the consultation has been recorded and analysed and is going to the council. We are very, very aware of the feedback and comments.”