BATTLE lines have been drawn over whether 130 homes, a sheltered housing complex, shops and offices are the right future for the former Riley's snooker factory site in Padiham.

Land between Station Road and Green Lane has been earmarked for a range of homes and apartments, an old people's home and three small stores by Muller Renaissance (Padiham).

But the proposals were turned down by Burnley Council in July 2008, on the grounds it would lead to the loss of an important economic improvement area for the market town.

Planners also claimed the design of the scheme, which is for a site bordered by Padiham Green Primary School and the new linear park, was lacking in quality, and there would be a detrimental impact on Green Lane residents.

An appeal was lodged by Muller and now a public inquiry, before planning inspector Wenda Fabian at Burnley Town Hall is in progress.

Erika Eden-Porter, one of the council's principal planners, has told the inquiry the sheltered housing element, in the middle of the site, 'creates a visually overwhelming homogenous mass' and the introduction of taller buildings along Station Road would look out of place.

Pete Milward, another principal planner, there is sufficient number of sites within the Burnley and Padiham area, with planning permission, to meet housing demand for the next five years.

But a series of experts are set to be called by Muller, represented at the inquiry by barrister Roger Lancaster, to argue that repeated attempts have been made to regenerate the old Riley's site.

Planning expert Howard Jones, in an inquiry statement, said there was already an adequate supply of employment land in the borough, enough to meet demand until 2016.

Philip Kelly, of chartered surveyors Petty, has told the inspector there is a shortage of 'good quality' modern homes, which Muller's proposals would satisfy.

And architect Barrie Newcombe said the designs submitted made optimum uses of the site without being either 'dominant or overbearing'.

The inquiry will last for an estimated five days and a decision will be made by the inspector later this year