BUILDING up to 11 new homes on the outskirts of Hornby would create "unacceptable encroachment" on the countryside, say planning officers.

Applicants Mr and Mrs Norris are seeking outline consent for the dwellings on pasture land behind Ingleborough View, Station Road, in the Lune Valley village.

The site is close to a disused railway line and on the northern fringe of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Five of the homes would be affordable.

Hornby-with-Farleton Parish Council has no objection to the plan, but seven letters of objection have been sent to Lancaster City Council. Concerns stated include 'unsafe' and 'dangerous' access onto the fast, narrow, unlit B6420 rural road; parking problems during construction; and loss of privacy and light to neighbours.

Two letters of support say that a new footway between the site and Lunesdale Court would be beneficial to residents.

Lancaster City Council's planning and highways regulatory committee is recommended to refuse consent when it meets on Wednesday (May 31). In a report, planning officers say the new homes would be harmful to the "open and rural character" of the area.