BURNLEY was branded a "town betrayed" after residents lost their long fight against a controversial industrial development near their homes.

Despite impassioned pleas over worries about increased traffic near a school and the loss of a green field area, councillors approved plans for the industrial scheme on land off Liverpool Road.

Residents in the area, including Burnley Council leader and ward representative Stuart Caddy, have been fighting plans to develop the site for several years.

Two years ago a scheme to turn the site into a residential development was turned down.

The latest proposals for warehouses and industrial development were given the nod after a heated debate.

More than 40 residents left the council chamber following the narrow vote in favour of the scheme with shouts of "shame", "disgusting" and "a town betrayed."

Coun Caddy was among those who spoke out against the plans. He also handed in a petition signed by 400 residents.

He said: "The council's own strategic objectives state that we need better housing but Lowerhouse has more residential development than any other area in the town. They also state that we need a stronger economy but there is more industry in Lowerhouse than anywhere else.

"The area is swamped in development.

"I was born and have lived in that area all my life and now the last bit of green space we had left is to go."

Mrs Susan Cartin, who runs the Development, Ecology, Environment and Recreation in Lowerhouse, added: "There is no evidence of demand for this development and it is next to a school and the area is not a regeneration area."

A spokesman for the council said: "This planning application has been in progress for some time and residents were consulted early in the process over a year ago.

"We consult widely and are always happy to hear what the views of residents and interested parties are.

"However, the recommendation has to be based on the development plan and the Government's planning guidance."