RESIDENTS’ traffic concerns have persuaded councillors to turn down plans to build two semi-detached homes on an empty plot of land in Sunnyhurst.

Blackburn with Darwen planning committee over-ruled its officers after a debate over parking and road safety on Harwood Street.

The proposal by builder Shaun Clemens-Cooney was a resubmission of a scheme granted in September 2008 which had lapsed.

Neighbour Judith Brown told the councillors that there was no off-street parking with the two homes and there was no space on the road for any more people to park.

She appealed for the councillors to refuse the scheme on grounds of residents’ and children’s safety.

Liberal Democrat spokesman and Sudell councillor Paul Browne said: “I drove my van over there and she is right.

“If they moved the traffic calming measures and the chicane there would be plenty of room for more parking but there isn’t at the moment.

“There are double yellow lines everywhere.”

He was supported by borough highways boss Jim Smith who said: “They are trying to squeeze a full pint into a half-pint pot.

“It would be better to have a one detached house with off-street parking.”

Eleven letters of objection and a petition opposing the scheme had been received by planning officials who had recommended approval and warned the applicant could appeal any refusal.

The said a single property had originally occupied the vacant site at 91 Harwood Street and two nearby semi-detached homes at 85 and 87 were built under a 2010 regeneration scheme.

Mr Clemens-Cooney said: “I am disappointed by the decision. Not happy at all.

“It was approved before, so what has changed?

“I am considering what to do next.”

Coun Browne, who voted for refusal, said: “My concerns were purely about parking and the traffic calming measures.

“If they remove the chicane it’d be fine and I would vote for it.”