COUNCILLORS said a study into the need for affordable housing in Pendle's rural areas was "not worth the paper it's written on" because there is no land available to build new homes.

The report, into housing needs for those in Roughlee, Kelbrook and Sough who had been left unable to afford houses because of spiralling property prices, said futher solutions to the problem should be researched and piloted in the borough.

But Roughlee Parish Council chairman James Starkie was told that no new homes would be built to ease the strain.

Speaking at a meeting of Pendle Council's Executive Committee on Wednesday, Coun Alan Davies said it was extremely unlikely that there would be any new affordable houses because the land was simply not available, while Coun David Whipp added: "This is a policy that's not worth the paper its written on."

Planning manager Neil Watson said that because there could be no cross-funding between areas, the only way the problem could be addressed would be through developers taking the initiative.

Earlier this year Government agency the Housing Corporation, which funds newly-built affordable housing in England, announced investment of around £39.5million in Lancashire.

The amount, which has been awarded under the Corporation's National Affordable Housing Programme for 2006-08, will see around 770 new affordable homes built across the county.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper, said: "We need more affordable homes, both for families to rent and for first- time buyers as well.

"This programme will significantly increase affordable housing as part of the Government's plans to build new homes for the next generation."