CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 98 homes in Bromley Cross will be decided on this week.

Jones Homes is hoping to build the new properties as part of an extension to the iconic Last Drop Village development, on land which is open protected green space next to the site.

Hundreds of nearby residents have objected to the “scandalous” proposals, which they say will put too much strain on local infrastructure and damage the appearance of the area.

Planning committee members are due to pay a visit to the site before Thursday afternoon’s planning meeting.

A report on the application compiled by the council’s planning office says that the impact of the development on the road network in Bromley Cross would be “negligible”, despite the area already suffering from traffic congestion.

The report states: “The proposed development would contribute to the supply of housing, which is a significant benefit of the proposal and one which should be attached great weight given the national requirement to significantly boost the supply of housing and the council’s shortage of deliverable housing land supply.

“The proposal would have economic benefits, providing employment opportunities and support for local businesses and services, initially during the construction phase and then following during occupation.”

The council has received a total of 611 letters of objection, raising fears about traffic, school places, public transport capacity, and drainage, among numerous other issues.

The report adds: “Officers consider that the proposed development would not harm the operational capacity/traffic flows of the junction of Hospital Road with Darwen Road, would not have a harmful impact on the local highway network, would not jeopardise highway safety, would not harm the character and appearance of the area, would not harm the amenity of neighbouring residents, would not result in the unacceptable loss of trees or biodiversity, and would not lead to the increase in crime or the fear of crime.”

Planning officers have recommended that councillors delegate the decision to the director to secure a Section 106 Agreement.

The planning committee meeting will be held at 2pm on Thursday at the town hall.