PLANNING chiefs in Rossendale are having to reassess applications passed as much as 10 years ago because of a blunder.

Rossendale Council has passed too many planning applications meaning the authority would build 284 more homes then needed by 2016.

Now members of the council's development control committee are having to reassess a number of previous applications it approved because it has changed the criteria on how plans are passed.

But at meetings this week, and despite the oversupply of housing in the borough, the committee passed: l Plans to convert a former chapel of York Street, Crawshawbooth into 12 apartments because of its conservation potential.

l Turning the former Whinberry View residential home, Rawtenstall, into homes because of the impact it would have on the regeneration of the area.

l New homes in Herbert Street, Stacksteads, because it would trigger further regeneration.

l Building homes on the former Tong Bridge Mill, Reed Street, Bacup, because of its regeneration potential and it would include homes suitable for the elderly.

However, plans to build 16 three bedroom homes on land off Atkin Street, Irwell Vale, originally passed in 1997, were rejected on grounds of over supply of housing and the development would lead to increased risk of flooding.

Members unanimously agreed on all the plans except for Whinberry View.

Councillor Jimmy Eaton, who was in favour of the development, said: "This site is a gateway coming in and out of Rawtenstall.

"If it is left empty are we going to have fly tipping?

"We could have a serious problem. If it passed it could improve the area."