AMBITIOUS plans to build a woodland school, eight new homes and allotments in Barnoldswick look set to be turned down.

The development, earmarked for land between Applegarth and Lockfield Drive, would also see four new moorings built on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

But planning bosses at Pendle Council have recommended that the scheme is refused after they raised concerns about access, noise nuisance and the effect it would have on wildlife.

Planning officer Neil Watson said applicant Robin Southwell had failed to consider the impact of the proposed moorings on flora and fauna on the canal embankment, which is a designated Biological Heritage Site.

Mr Southwell had intended to offer the nine allotments to Barnoldswick Town Council, while the woodland school was set to be used by Pendle Nursery, currently based in Fountain Street.

In a report, Mr Watson said: “While some of the scheme is acceptable in principle, a number of material considerations have not been satisfactorily addressed.”

He added: “The applicant has failed to demonstrate that there is any propect of the proposed access via Applegarth being able to provide a safe and suitable access to this development in accordance with the guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework.”

Residents and businesses have lodged seven objections to the proposals, alongside one letter of support.

Mr Southwell said the scheme had the backing of Barnoldswick Town Council, residents of nearby George Street and Pendle Nursery, which has submitted a petition of support containing 110 sign- atures.

The council’s West Craven Committee will have the final say on the plans on March 4.