VILLAGE campaigners have failed in their bid to get plans for a multi-million pound JJB Soccerdome on the banks of a Blackburn reservoir thrown out by councillors.

The 166,000 sq ft scheme includes 11 indoor six-a-side football pitches, two outdoor playing areas, a sports bar, store, gym and swimming pool.

It is due to be built off Haslingden Road, Guide, on land which has already secured planning permission for development from Government inspectors.

The plans for the JJB Soccerdome - similar ones already exist in Derby, Manchester and Wigan - were approved by Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning and highways committee last night.

But lengthy objections had been received from the Save Guide Village campaign, which has opposed any development on the banks of the Guide and Fishmoor reservoirs.

In a letter to the committee, secretary Pat Kennedy said the development would destroy an area of outstanding beauty, and wreck the views of fields, the Fylde Coast and Darwen Tower.

She added: "At present, while some areas of Blackburn are being improved, the area of Guide is being decimated beyond belief.

"Of all the towns in the country, Blackburn was once one of the best, aesthetically.

"But now, around Guide, it is just a view of ugly buildings."

The planning permission for mixed use on the banks of the reservoirs was first secured after a Government public inquiry in 1998.

Other possible uses include restaurants, a hotel and small businesses.

That planning permission was renewed last month, despite objections from the Save Guide Village group.

They said that with the expansion of the Shadsworth Industrial Estate and the development of a new housing estate next to the Fishmoor Reservoir, the already congested Haslingden Road would become even more clogged.

And they say it will get even worse when the new super-hospital opens at Queen's Park and ambulances have to battle the traffic.

But planners stated that an extra exit on the Shadsworth Road/Haslingden Road roundabout for the soccerdome should ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

The Fishmoor site's position close to the M65 motorway will mean the soccerdome is within 15 minutes drive for much of East Lancashire's 500,000 population.

No date for the start of work or the opening of the complex have been released.

Nobody from JJB was available for comment today.

The company was set up by former Blackburn Rovers player Dave Whelan, who this week abandoned a bid to retake control of the firm.