188 new homes could be built in Whalley if plans are given the green light.

PRP Architects have created the plans for land off Clitheroe Road on behalf of Trafford Housing Trust and they were submitted to Ribble Valley Council this week.

In the design and access statement, they say it is part of a 'masterplan' for the area.

It will 'retain and enhance views, deliver a high quality place which is sustainable, safe and attractive and deliver a mix of housing - up to 188 new dwellings offering 1-5 bedroom properties.'

It added: "The site acts as an appropriate location for the expansion of Whalley in this location with

its boundaries of the village to the west and A671 to the east."

Cllr Terry Hill, who represents the Whalley ward on Ribble Valley Council, is meeting with local residents this week to discuss the plans.

He said: "The application that has gone in is a new application rather than the reserved matters one and it is significantly different.

"It is the same number of houses but they have changed the layout significantly for phase three for the works going between Woodland Park and Sydney Avenue.

"The large tranches of green space on the original application have been removed and built on and I think the density is out of keeping to what is around Ribble Valley currently.

"It needs modifying to make it more acceptable and we will be speaking to the interested neighbours."

Cllr Hill believes the development will affect infrastructure but it could benefit the area.

He added: "I was the chairman of planning and I never argued against developments especially with the need for affordable housing.

"But we are calling for plans not to be forced and should be to the likes of the people.

"Also the primary thing is it will complete the link road and a bypass at the junction of the A671 to control traffic going along the road.

"All of these create traffic on the roads to Burnley, Blackburn and Manchester.

"The good thing is that the developer wants to retain the proposal of a school on the land."

In the planning document on the issue of layout it said: The design team, have decided to follow for the most part the previously approved open

space parameter plan so the scheme retains a significant proportion of open space

and does not appear overdeveloped.

"It also respects the previous visual impact study

which informed the locations where development is best placed.

"Housing will be set within a robust, effective and aesthetically pleasing Green

Infrastructure comprising new public open space for recreation.

"Equipped with a children’s play area, trim trails and sustainable drainage systems it will enhance the existing assets of the site and its locality."