CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 17 homes near a Colne primary school have been withdrawn.

Pendle Council applied to build the homes on land off Red Lane that is currently used as a wildlife garden by pupils at Sacred Heart RC Primary School.

But Lib Dem councillors Tony Greaves and David Clegg, whose Vivary Bridge ward the proposed development is in, had written to the council’s chief executive, Stephen Barnes, calling for the plans to be withdrawn for discussions to take place with the school.

Now talks will take place between the council, developers and management of Sacred heart.

The council has confirmed that the plans have now been withdrawn to try to seek a solution.