A CONTROVERSIAL scheme for 16 ‘affordable’ homes in Carnforth has been given the green light by a planning inspector.

Plans for the homes behind the cemetery on Back Lane, were thrown out by Lancaster City Council in March last year as the Environment Agency identified the area as being at risk of flooding.

The scheme also met opposition from local people worried about increased traffic and noise, the number of homes and the flood risk.

But a Government-appointed planning inspector has ruled that the development can go ahead, provided a new culvert is built to house the main stream running through the land.

Carnforth Mayor Coun Carolyn Higginson said: “People were not happy with the original application. We welcome the conditions attached to the appeal regarding flood defence, but residents still don’t think this will work.”