Developers have been asked to reconsider a controversial scheme to create 12 new homes in Baxenden.
Baxenden Developments Ltd hopes to build eight semi-detached and four detached homes on land at the former Hill Top Care Home, near to the Grade-II listed Haworth Art Gallery.
Plans were due to be discussed at the last meeting of Hyndburn’s planning committee, but the item was withdrawn following objections from English Heritage.
English Heritage said the scheme must be modified to respect the character of the Christ Church conservation area.
Alice Ullathorne, assistant inspector of historic buildings and areas, said: “We do not consider that the current proposal respects the character and appearance of the conservation area in terms of form, layout, design and materials.
"We are therefore not able to support the application. However, we believe that changes to the design of the scheme could potentially create an acceptable development that enhances the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
Plans for 36 care apartments at the site - between Newton Drive and Manchester Road - were rejected by Hyndburn council in 2011. This is the third scheme proposed for the site, but residents claim it will ‘overwhelm’ the area.
Ann McEvoy, secretary of Christ Church Conservation Area Residents Association, called the proposals a ‘disgrace’.
She said: “People are really angry about it. It’s a conservation area. Why would you want to stick 12 houses and ruin a Hyndburn gateway site?
"It’s an absolute disgrace. We are extremely worried about the position of the houses on the Manchester Road edge. In this application the houses are only three metres from the road.”
