PLANNING chiefs are expected to say "nay" to proposals for two horse-riding centres in Hyndburn because of fears over road safety.

Residents in Church are worried that plans to build a cross-country course, two arenas, a barn and stables on land opposite New Barn Farm, St James Road, will put their children in danger because it will bring more traffic into the area.

A floodlit arena in Wooley Lane Farm, Baxenden is already close to completion, despite the fact that planning permission has not yet been granted.

Protesters living near the Church site handed a petition with 76 signatures to Hyndburn Council after the plans were first revealed. Changes have now been made to the proposals, but residents have sent a second petition with 45 signatures, and say they also fear the green belt site would become increasingly commercial and noisy.

A report to councillors recommends the proposal should be rejected because it may cause traffic problems.

A similar scheme to convert a barn to livery stables and create a floodlit riding arena at Wooley Lane Farm, Baxenden, is also set to be discussed by the council's development services committee tonight.

The floodlit riding arena is all but complete, although a report to councillors says the visual impact on the area from proposed development would not breach council policy.

A barn at the site would be made into stables for 25 horses were the plans to be approved.

But the scheme has been opposed by the council's director of operations on road safety grounds. A report recommends councillors reject the plans because of a potential increase in traffic on Back Lane, Langford Street and Wooley Lane.

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