COUNCILLORS are to view the site of a proposed 145-space car park after highways chiefs and parish representatives disagreed on whether it would cause a safety hazard.

Ribble Valley Council's planning committee heard that computer giant Granville Technology wanted to build the car park at its factory in Simonstone Lane, Simonstone.

Officers had recommended approval after Lancashire County Council surveyors said the development would reduce on-street parking and had been carefully sited to ensure that vehicles had "clear sightlines" of approaching vehicles.

But 35 residents and parish councillors had objected to the scheme, claiming access was on the "narrowest and most dangerous part of the road".

Hayley Binns, of nearby Railway Terrace, told the meeting that residents were deeply concerned about the proposed development.

They were worried about road safety, loss of amenities and the sheer size of the development, she told the meeting.

"Our biggest fear is that of safety. The proposed access is on the most dangerous and narrowest part of the road. It is surrounded by five hazardous, busy entry and exit points within 150 yards. The impact of the increased volume of traffic will be enormous.

"There will be a substantial reduction in our quality of life, increased air pollution and loss of privacy caused by intrusive lighting and continual disruption. We will, in effect, be living in an industrial estate yard," she said.

Simonstone councillor John Travis said the access to the site filled him with dread.

"There is a possible blind spot while leaving the proposed car park. I know, I have visited the site several times in my car recently and I am filled with considerable foreboding," he said.

Councillors deferred a decision on the matter for further consultation with county surveyors.

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