THE head of Rossendale developers the Hurstwood Group has said he is disappointed at the opposition to develop the former Lea Bank School site.

A special meeting at Lea Bank to officially launch the plans for apartments, executive homes and a woodland visitor centre on the former school site was held earlier this week.

Rawtenstall-based development company's managing director Stephen Ashworth led a tour of the building.

Campaigners battled to protect the site for years before permission was granted to Hurstwood Developments in 2001 for housing by Rossendale Council.

Despite their past differences, the Lea Bank Group and Hurstwood held talks and decided to work together on the design of the site. The discussions, which began in July last year, included a promise by Hurstwood Developments to donate the area of woodland to the new Lea Bank Charitable Trust.

The Rossendale Civic Trust have said the amended plans were against the district plan and the advice of the borough council.

Mr Ashworth said: "It was a very friendly, amicable and productive meeting. We conducted a tour of the school together and we all believe the plans represent a very exciting opportunity to do something positive in Rossendale.

"Everyone is delighted with how well the planning application is progressing."

Mr Ashworth added: "The plans are the fruits of a partnership between Hurstwood and the Lea Bank Group. It is very much a joint effort. We spent many months in meetings with them and have worked hard to address their concerns. That is why, as part of the proposal, we are donating the woodland to a charitable trust that will be a benefit for the entire community.

And he feels confident that the partnership's hopes won't be adversely affected by the opposition of the Civic Trust.

"We are saddened by the negative position taken by the Civic Trust because the plans represent a great community project which will have lasting benefits for the people of Rossendale. The Civic Trust don't seem to want that. There is a danger that their blinkered stance could lead to the creation of another 'Ilex Mill' scenario, which would be a great waste.

"It's difficult to understand their motives because our joint proposals offer a chance to bring new life to neglected but important buildings. They should be working with the partnership not against it.

"In the plans all the existing buildings are being retained and refurbished, in addition the woodland will be looked after. We are confident that the plans will be passed - but, if the worse were to happen, we would be left with no choice to take a look at the commercial alternatives for Lea Bank."