Sabden residents fight another new homes plan

An outline application for a residential development of 14 houses, three bungalows and a new access road on land to the rear of Pendle Street has been submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council by P & D Developments.

However, the plans have prompted fears from local residents who claim that with the new proposals for the redevelopment of Victoria Mills imminent, more housing in Sabden will not only lead to traffic chaos, but will “ruin the village”.

Janet Pilkington, who lives on Pendleside Close, next to the proposed site, said because of the village bowling and football clubs the area is already gridlocked at peak times and a new housing estate would only make matters worse. She added: “The message is loud and clear - we don’t want any more housing developments in Sabden. Seventeen more houses will generate a minimum of another 17 cars using the already congested area.”

Similar fears were voiced by another Pendleside Close resident who did not wish to be named. She said: “We live right next to this proposed development. It is a beautiful spot which will completely be ruined, not to mention the traffic problems it will cause.

“The access is onto Pendle Street East which is already at breaking point and just can’t take any more. We have the new Cobden Mill development close by which is half empty because they can’t sell them. We just don’t want or need any more houses in the village.”

Sabden Parish Council has also objected to the plans. Chairman Tony Haworth commented: “Residents are very upset about the plans, especially the traffic problems they will create. We have estimated that over the next five years there will be a significant increase of 17% of new housing in Sabden and that is too much for the infrastructure, schools and the community. It will ruin the village.

“If anything, developers should be looking at building quality detached housing to boost the ethos of the village.”

Properties, businesses and St Mary’s RC Primary School have until Tuesday June 11th to submit any objections to the council.