A HOUSING developer is on collision course with Hyndburn Council after mud from its new estate affected nearby roads.

Persimmon Homes was granted permission to build 89 houses on the Sefton Farm estate on Burnley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, in 1999.

One of several conditions attached to the permission was the provision of wheel-washing facilities to prevent the transfer of mud on to nearby roads by vehicles leaving the site.

The company has provided a jet wash hose which drivers have to use as they leave the site.

Coun Tim O'Kane said he had received a complaint from a resident fed up with debris from the development finding its way on to neighbouring roads.

"The Highways Act 1980 makes it a criminal offence to deposit any materials on the highway," said Coun O'Kane.

"We will instigate proceedings under that act unless they get their act together. It's totally unacceptable. Why should people put up with mud when nearby there are other companies that take great care with their wheel-washing facilities. Would the managing director of Persimmon Homes like it on his drive?"

The original planning permission said: "Prior to the start of any engineering or construction works on site, details of facilities for the washing of wheels of vehicles before leaving the site shall have been submitted to, approved in writing by the local planning authority and duly provided. These facilities shall remain in place until such time as construction works are complete."

Work on the site is expected to be completed in March.

Dave Law, Hyndburn Council's principal engineer for highways, said: "We do lean on companies when they spread mud or anything that's hazardous on the road, and slippery mud is hazardous to the road user. They have got an obligation to reduce the risk they are causing and we have an obligation to make sure they do."

Mark Cook, deputy managing director of Persimmon Homes Lancashire, said: "We always try and ensure we cause minimum disruption to existing residents while construction work is under way.

"Therefore, the roads around The Brambles development are swept daily by Persimmon Homes.

"While wheel-washing facilities were specified in the original planning the daily sweeping of roads on site has been found to be more effective, especially given the current weather conditions, in removing mud and preventing it dirtying residents' vehicles.

"However, we would be willing to meet with a resident representative to discuss concerns and to provide the opportunity for residents to point out any issues with regard to cleanliness of roads."