CONTROVERSIAL plans to build more than 30 homes are back on the table.

An outline application has been resubmitted to Rossendale Council for 33 homes in Bacup at Slackgate Farm, to the east of Tong Lane, a greenfield site opposite St Mary’s Primary

The initial proposal for the site sparked concerns such as the impact it would cause on schools, worries about flooding and traffic problems.

But the plans have now been re-submitted by applicant Ray Marshall.

A supporting design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said the development would be of high-quality.

It reads: “In summary, the site lies on the edge of an established residential area, within walking distance of local facilities, pubic footpaths and public transport.

“The site has the potential to create a sustainable, high quality residential development.”

It is the third time the plans have been submitted after they were approved twice by Rossendale Council’s planning committee last year despite objections.

Plans were then withdrawn to allow for changes to the access from the site.

One of the objectors, Alison Gaylard, of Pennine Road, said at the time that she was very concerned about the impact of building so many houses.

She said: “As it is we have numerous trucks on a daily basis from the quarry resulting in poor road conditions and noise and dust pollution and this occurs at any time of the day including the middle of the night.

“We already have cars and trucks that travel at well over 30 miles an hour in a 20 mile an hour zone.

“What is the impact going to be of 33 plus cars using this Tong Lane and Pennine Road junction, especially in the view of the demographics of the area with a high school age population,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, agent Claire Bradley, of Kirkwells Limited, said there was a need for housing in the area.

She said: “The original application included the site at the bottom of Tong Lane which had a mobile home located on it.

“This new application doesn’t included that area and the site access has been moved further up Tong Lane.

“This development will add additional open market housing to the area.

“The application is very similar to the previous applications that have both been approved by the council’s planning committee so we feel that shows the concerns raised have been addressed.”