Earby Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed 28-Home Development

As of November 4th, 2025, a property developer named Applethwaite Ltd is seeking permission from Pendle Council to build 28 new homes on farmland near the town of Earby in Lancashire. However, this proposed development has raised concerns from local councillors about the town's sewer capacity, drainage, and flooding risks.

Earby has previously suffered from flooding, and while it has some defenses in place, there are questions about whether further measures, such as a small reservoir, can be added to mitigate the issue. Additionally, Yorkshire Water has objected to the plans, arguing that the public combined sewer network does not have sufficient capacity to handle the additional surface water drainage from the new homes.

Residents have also voiced objections over possible flood and contamination risks, loss of privacy, increased traffic, and a lack of affordable housing in the development. One household even provided a photograph showing previous flooding in the area.

Despite these concerns, Applethwaite's report claims the proposed development complies with the council's local development plan and will deliver "a wide range of significant social, economic and environmental benefits." Planning officers say the project appears to comply with the council's development plan, but further consideration is needed by a senior officer before a final decision is made.