Around 150 people attended a public meeting at Bank Hill House in Great Harwood to discuss controversial plans for one of the town’s playing fields.

The meeting was held by Hyndburn Borough Council on Tuesday evening, after residents expressed strong concerns about the council’s intention to dispose of Lyndon Playing Fields on Harwood Lane.

Reilly Developments Ltd has plans to build up to 250 homes on the site of the playing fields, although no full planning application has yet been lodged with the council.

The disposal of the land for residential development has been approved by the council cabinet subject to public consultation.

The plan would involve a ‘land swap’, involving Great Harwood Agricultural Society which would also see Great Harwood Rovers JFC move to land at Heymoor Farm.

An online petition opposing the development, has been signed by 228 people to date. Paper petitions have also been distributed to homes and community buildings.

Campaigner Kate Tennant estimates that at least 500 people have registered their opposition to the plans.

She said: “I’m really upset about it. I’ve been living in Great Harwood for 34 years, and my family have been here for around 70 years. Everybody uses the playing fields.

“Residents were not aware that this planning was going ahead until we saw signs put up on lamp posts saying the council intended to sell the land.

“My neighbour and I have been going door-to-door and the people we spoke to are up in arms about it.”

Campaigners are unhappy about the level of consultation so far and are also concerned the town does not have the infrastructure to cope with an extra 250 homes.

Great Harwood councillor Gareth Molineux said: “The meeting was very well attended, a lot of residents raised some very valid points, which the cabinet will look at before making a decision.

“I would like to thank all of the residents who attended the meeting. Their contribution is a valuable tool in the consultation.”

Reilly Developments Ltd was unavailable for comment.