HOME owners on a new housing estate near Ewood Park told developers they strongly oppose plans to build new town houses in the area.

Residents who live on the Oakdale development off the A666 held their own public meeting at the Bear Hotel to mobilise opposition to a Maunders Homes project to build 20 town houses.

The company had already been given permission in principle to build homes in the area but had originally told the council it wanted to create 16 four-bedroom detached properties worth up to £78,000 each.

More than 100 residents have now signed a petition opposing the plan, saying the building of town houses in the area will devalue their own homes - months after they bought them for prices in the £80,000 range.

Fifty residents attended the meeting and angrily told three representative of Maunders Homes of their opposition to the change in plan.

The company defended the scheme and gave residents guarantees that the homes would not be sold to a housing association and be used for social housing. Three Blackburn with Darwen Councillors were also at the meeting including Coun Frank Connor, chairman of the planning committee, who told the gathering that the authority can only do a limited amount as planning permission has already been given in principle.

Couns Michael Barratt and Simon Danczuk were also present as they represent the Earcroft ward in which the Oakdale development falls.

Coun Danczuk said: "It has got to be remembered that it is only a few months ago that these people were customers of Maunders themselves.

"As a result of the meeting we are now hoping that Maunders will withdraw their application, if only temporarily, until the developers and the residents can come to some kind of amicable agreement."

If the application is not withdrawn, it will be considered by members of the authority's planning committee at a future meeting.

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