A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build a mock tudor apartment block on the site of a former school has been put on ice.

Planning chiefs last night deferred a decision on Crowther Homes' bid to develop the former Heathfield School site in Blackburn.

They want more time to consider new evidence which was submitted yesterday by experts on behalf of protesting residents.

The Blackburn Meins Road Area Residents' Association has already spent more than £40,000 hiring experts to fight their case.

More than 50 packed Blackburn Town Hall last night for the planning and highways sub-committee.

If the plan is approved, they have threatened to take their fight to the High Court by seeking a judicial review .

Before last night's meeting, the group had served every member of Blackburn Council's planning and highways committee with a writ to try and stop the development.

Officers had recommended that the scheme by Kendal-based Crowther Homes should be approved. But a geologist's report commissioned by the Meins Road group claimed neighbouring homes could suffer because the land was unsuitable for the type of foundations needed for such a large apartment block.

It warns that if any water seepage, flooding, land movement or any damage occurs to the neighbours' properties, the aggrieved would seek full redress from the council.

The writs drew attention to a Department of the Environment circular which said planning authorities should take all material considerations into account, including ground stability.

But the council officers' report said responsibility for determining whether land was suitable "rested primarily with the developer."

The plan will go before next month's committee.

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