CONTROVERSIAL plans to build residential care and learning disability supported living units have been recommenced for approval despite objections.

Proposals were submitted to Hyndburn Council earlier this year to build the six units in Back Owen Street in Accrington.

Residents have submitted a total of 10 objections to the plans citing issues such as parking, access for vehicles, noise and pollution.

However the proposals submitted by J&R Plant Hire UK have been recommended for approval by council planning officers.

A report from planning officers said: "The key issues with this application are principle of the development and proximity to the town centre, traffic and highways, residential amenity, potential contamination and vibration and housing standards and care facilities.

"It is considered that because of its low intensity use, its proximity to the town centre and design, the proposed development is considered acceptable subject to conditions."

The plans are a resubmission of a previous application for six units which was withdrawn at the end of last year.

Access to the site can be gained from three narrow alleys, two from Owen Street, the other from Whalley Road.

The proposal is to erect six residential units each consisting of a lounge/diner, bedroom and bathroom and each unit would also have access to their own private garden area.

There would be a separate communal facility together with a staff area and the development now has four parking spaces together with a bin store and bike store.

Owen Street resident Fiona Rothwell is one of those who raised objections over concerns due to how close it is to the railway line.

She said: "The proposed site is unsuitable for people with learning/disabilities.

"It is within metres from a busy rail track, and at a point where the trains are required to accelerate/decelerate out of the local station.

"The noise disturbance to the existing residents of this area will have a serious detrimental effect upon the numerous aged people who lived adjacent to the proposed site.

"The increased traffic at the turning access point in Whalley Road will be even more dangerous to the local residents and children passing on Whalley Road."

Another Owen Street resident, Geraldine Rothwell, said: "The whole building process will have a detrimental effect on our lives due to noise, dust, fumes, loss of amenities, loss of privacy during and after completion and loss of natural day light in our home."

The site is currently vacant having once been workshops.

A final decision on the plans will be made by Hyndburn Council planning committee at its meeting at 2pm on Wednesday (today?).