CONTROVERSIAL plans to build homes at a former wool mill in Cowpe have been put on hold - at the applicant's request.

The Hurstwood Group wants to build 18 apartments and 28 homes at Kearns Mill, a former wool dyeing mill, which closed at Easter 2004.

But residents are fighting the proposal, saying it would transform the village into a "concrete jungle".

There were also concerns over extra traffic generated.

The plans had been recommended for refusal by planning officers, but Rossendale Council's development control committee agreed to the deferment to give the applicant more time to discuss them with the officers.

Committee chairman Coun Stuart Pawson said he did not like putting such a major application on the back burner and preferred to make a decision there and then.

But councillors voted to defer the plans after hearing that the delay would give the chance for changes to be made.

An 180-name petition has been raised against the development, saying it would "profoundly" affect the community and that there was no need for more housing.

But a handful of residents say they preferred housing to industrial units and something needed doing.

Planning officers had recommended refusal saying it would create an over supply of houses and detract from the character and appear-ance of the area.