CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a new housing estate in Huncoat have been refused.

Morris Homes wanted to build 27 two, three and four-bedroom homes on woodland off Foxwood Chase in Deer Park.

The application proved one of the most controversial in Hyndburn in recent history, attracting dozens of objections.

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Some residents even hired solicitors to fight off the plans — which they said posed a significant flood risk.

Mr and Mrs Wilson, of Badgers Close, instructed Napthens Solicitors, which said in a letter of objection that planning permission granted for the building of Badgers Close in 1989 prohibited building on Foxwood Chase.

Other issues raised were a risk of flooding and the loss of light.

The firm added: “It is imperative that these considerations are taken into account as otherwise we will have no hesitation in advising our client to proceed with an application for judicial review should planning permission be granted.”

Morris Homes had originally wanted to build 31 houses, and lay a footpath and cycle path in the south-west corner of the 3.4 acre site to link to Peel Park.

But after complaints from residents and concerns from council officers, changes were made by Morris Homes.

Documents lodged with the council show the path was removed, while plans to build 12 terraced homes close to Badgers Close have also been scrapped.

They were replaced on plans by six detached homes and a pair of semi-detached homes.

But councillors on the planning committee voted to turn down planning permission.

Huncoat councillor Dave Parkins said: “It was a good achievement for residents and local councillors.

“The plans got knocked back in a unanimous vote because they said it would cause a loss of woodland, would overbear onto Badgers Close and was a departure from the borough plan. It was a non-starter. It would have caused all sorts of flooding problems.

“It was a common sense decision and I’m glad the committee supported me.

“I believe Morris Homes are going to appeal but we will see what happens if and when that comes in.”

In a design and access statement, the company had said: “The proposed development is entirely residential and aims to meet the housing needs of the local community and provide a high quality sustainable environment for people to live in.

“The scheme will provide a diverse mix and type of accommodation, i.e. both private and affordable, to help maintain a sustainable community, which will respond to the current market demand and local need for family homes and homes for the first time buyers, as well as those on the housing need registers of registered social landlords.”

No-one from Morris Homes was available for comment