NEW plans have come forward to develop a site with more than dozen holiday.

Ribble Valley Council has received an application to construct 13 holiday caravans at Acorn Lodge, Longsight Road, Clayton- le-Dale, by applicant Naomi Beard.

The plans follow earlier proposals by the same applicant in March 2016 to build the same number of residential caravans for gypsy families. After concerns were raised by nearby residents about access to the site those plans were later dropped.

The site lies next to an existing gypsy site off Longsight Road, which currently has 20 caravans onsite, along with a toilet block and washing facilities.

Now the applicant has come up with a new scheme, which if approved will see holiday caravans built, a ‘general tidying up’ of the area and improvements to the existing gypsy site.

But Cllr Peter Ainsworth, who represents the area on the council, questioned who would want to use the caravans.

He said: “I can’t see people in the local area and tourists using these caravans.”

In a document sent to the council, on behalf of the applicant, agent Mark Southerton said the plans would provide ‘quality holiday accommodation’ in line with modern day visitor expectations, to the benefit of the local economy.

Mr Southerton said: “Following on from the recent withdrawal of the application for an extension to the gypsy site on this land, the owners have prepared plans relating to a holiday caravan use of the proposed caravans.

“Visitors are increasingly seeking out relatively spacious, attractive caravans especially in locations such as this, which have a variety of visitor facilities within easy walking distance and immediate access onto an extensive public rights of way network.

“The current application will facilitate a general tidying up of the larger land holding here which has already started with improvements on the gypsy site.

“The clearance of the application site and proper landscaping of it with boundary hedges and tree planting will enhance the overall character and amenities of the locality.”

The plans will be considered at at a future meeting of Ribble Valley Council.