A VILLAGE resident’s plan to build a new home for his family and a smaller property for his ageing parents has produced more than 20 objections from neighbours.

Sean Readey of The Brook House in Bury Road wants to site the two detached houses on the Old School Grounds, Blackburn Road, Edgworth.

Following 22 letters of objection, his planning application will be decided by councillors tonight.

Mr Readey’s agent Edward Sykes of Architecture:M in Manchester told officials: “We are proposing two new build dwelling houses.

“One large enough for the applicant and his young family to occupy and grow into, the other at a smaller size for his ageing parents, allowing for two houses suited for life currently and are adaptable for a lifetime of living.”

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The building will have a grass roof and applicant believes the design is ‘truly outstanding and innovative’ and therefore suitable for protected land within the West Pennine Moors.

When the original application was submitted 15 village residents objected and when it was revised following a meeting involving North Turton with Tockholes councillor Colin Rigby, seven correspondents objected.

They said it would ‘harm the openness’ of the green belt, access was on a dangerous bend and rise in the road, the homes were not in keeping with the village, would dwarf nearby properties and affect wildlife.

The application says: “The larger dwelling is comprised of sitting room, kitchen, dining room, utility areas and integral double garage at ground floor and five bedrooms, two bathrooms, utility room and dressing room at first floor.

“The smaller dwelling includes an open-plan kitchen/dining/lounge area with en-suite bedroom, separate shower room and integral double garage at ground floor, and four bedrooms and a separate bathroom and utility room at first floor. “

Colin Wilkinson of School View, Edgworth said in his letter: “The area would lose the openness of the land and the small hamlet would also lose its character.”

Council officials have recommended the application be refused by Blackburn with Darwen Planning Committee tonight as their design is ‘not truly outstanding or innovative in design’ and would damage the green belt and wildlife.

Mr Sykes said: “Our director and the applicant will attend the meeting to make the case for this proposal.”

The supporting statement for the plan says: “The design has been carefully thought out to minimise the disturbance and impact up on the landscaping.”