COUNCILLORS have been recommended to approve 47 houses on the edge of a town despite 18 objections from the public.

Applethwaite Homes wants to develop the estate to the north of Ramsgreave Drive in Roe Lee, Blackburn.

It wants to build 23 three-bedroom and 24 four-bedroom two-storey family houses on 4.37 acres overlooking green fields.

One bungalow, 60 Ramsgreave Drive, will be demolished to make way for the development.

The scheme will be debated by Blackburn with Darwen Planning committee on Thursday.

Ramsgreave Parish Council has also objected to the scheme on grounds of the loss of greenfield land and concerns about increased traffic.

The committee has been recommended to approve the planning application with 30 conditions and subject to a developers contribution of £312,922 for off-site green infrastructure, public open space provision, education provision, and off-site highway works.

The 18 public objections centre around over-development of the area for housing and traffic and road safety concerns.

A report by planning officer Nick Blackledge says: "Currently agricultural land, the site is allocated for housing led development as part of a wider allocation known as the North Blackburn Housing Site.

"The site benefits from strong links to public transport.

"Access to a wide range of local services and amenities is readily available: public houses, restaurants, a supermarket, multiple primary schools, a high school, and a Sixth Form College; all of which are within a one kilometre walk of the site.

"A mix of three and four bedroom detached and semi-detached dwellings are proposed to provide high quality family homes, which will be suitable for families in the area.

"The range of house types and materials aims to respond to the semi-rural character of the area.

"Public open space / landscaping is included, with a particular focus towards the site boundaries.

"Proposed off-site highway works include changes to the existing central reserve along Ramsgreave Drive so that the carriageway provides an additional right turn capacity.

"A pelican crossing is also proposed off Ramsgreave Drive to provide safe pedestrian access to the site."

A design and access statement submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council with the planning application says: “Applethwaite pride themselves on building family homes in small developments that have individual character. Their aim is to provide comfortable homes that reflect the quality and style of times past, whilst satisfying the needs of modern living."