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A new housing development plan has raised concerns among Pendle Council councillors, particularly around sewer capacity, drainage, and flooding risks. Developer Applethwaite Ltd from Bamber Bridge seeks permission to build 28 homes on farmland west of White Leys Close, Earby. The site is on the edge of town, surrounded by open countryside to the southwest, with White Leys Close to the east and Earby Road to the south. Earby has a history of flooding, and although some flood defences exist, questions remain about whether additional measures, like a small reservoir, could be built in the future to mitigate risks.
There’s also a wider debate about the UK’s water infrastructure, especially the release of untreated sewage into rivers during heavy rainfall through combined sewage outflows. Critics argue this points to a need for major investment in water management systems across the country. Locally, Applethwaite is working closely with Mike Hughes from S&L Planning Consultants of Preston to address concerns. The application was paused back in July due to an objection from Yorkshire Water about surface water drainage plans.
Yorkshire Water objected because the initial plan proposed draining surface water into the public combined sewer network, which they said was already at capacity. They suggested using a culverted watercourse north of the site as a more suitable option. If that wasn’t feasible, the developer was asked to prove otherwise. There have been ongoing talks involving a culvert near Earlesdon Avenue connected to a watercourse behind Craven View. Recently, a new proposal emerged, suggesting surface water drainage to the south instead.
A report to the West Craven committee explains that Applethwaite bought an adjacent site with existing planning permission for residential development to the south. Now, it’s proposed that surface water be discharged through this southern site into a watercourse, crossing Earby Road and linking to a public combined sewer at the Warwick Drive and Churchill Avenue junction. Yorkshire Water has no objections to this plan, on the condition that no surface water discharge occurs until a satisfactory outfall, other than the existing public sewer, is built.
Applethwaite’s report highlights that the development fits within the council’s local development plan and promises social, economic, and environmental benefits. It claims thorough investigation into environmental and technical aspects like biodiversity, flood risk, drainage, and highway safety found no valid reasons to block the project. Supporters say the scheme will boost housing supply, offering high-quality two, three, and four-bedroom homes, while enhancing the site’s ecological value and providing economic boosts through jobs, local spending, and increased council tax revenue.
Planning officers recommend the proposal complies with the local development plan and see no material objections, suggesting that final approval be delegated to senior officers after more details are ironed out. They advise conditions be placed requiring a detailed foul water drainage scheme to be submitted and approved by the council before work proceeds. Meanwhile, some local residents have voiced objections, raising concerns over flood and contamination risks, loss of privacy, additional traffic, and the insufficient provision of affordable housing. One resident even submitted a photo showing evidence of past flooding to back up their concerns.
The planning process continues with discussions between the developer, Yorkshire Water, and council members, focusing on ensuring the drainage strategy is robust enough to prevent worsening flooding issues in Earby, while balancing the need for new homes in the area.
