More than 200 protesters gathered to campaign against plans to build up to 250 homes on a popular playing field.
Parents, grandparents and children rallied at Lyndon Playing Fields in Great Harwood ahead of a council planning committee meeting later this month where a decision will be made.
The Lyndon Playing Fields Association campaign group said 1,150 people have submitted individual letters or signed petitions against the scheme and claim it could increase the town’s population by up to 10 per cent.
Pauline Embley, who is chair of the association, said: “We were delighted at the number of people who gave up their Sunday afternoon to support us.
“Families with very young children as well as senior citizens from Lyndon House made the effort to answer the call.
“Many more had sent their apologies due to prior arrangements or unfortunately arrived a little late for the actual photo shoot which was at 1pm prompt”.
The plans, submitted by Reilly Developments Ltd, would also include four FA standard football pitches and changing facilities would be created on land north of Harwood Lane.
Ian Wilkinson, of the association, said there were worries about how local infrastructure will cope and in particular the ability to see a medical practitioner without waiting for long periods.
He said: “Many believe the council should pass plans to build on brownfield sites first before sacrificing local playing fields which have been used for over 40 years.”
Agents PWA Planning, acting on behalf of Reilly Developments, said the concerns raised by residents are being ‘fully considered as part of the consultation process’ and ‘a great number of local residents are supportive of the proposals’ with more than 200 letters sent to the council.
A spokesman said the the new state-of-the-art football facilities would help Great Harwood Rovers FC ‘flourish’ and cater for more teams, that the existing children’s play area will be extended and it will help address the ‘dereliction’ at part of the site off Wood Street.
They also said it would provide ‘much needed high quality large family homes’.
Hyndburn council has also agreed to change meeting rules to allow up to five people to speak for and against the application at the planning meeting on Wednesday, October 21.
