A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a cemetery close to a popular beauty spot is set to be refused by a council.

Local residents and organisations were furious after the plan to build the woodland cemetery at Entwistle was unveiled.

A number of letters opposing the move for the cemetery close to Entwistle Station and the Strawberry Duck pub have been sent to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

North Turton Parish Council, Civic Trust and St Anne's Parochial Church Council all formally objected to the cemetery.

Many residents were worried about access to the site and the impact on traffic at the popular spot for walkers.

St Anne's Church also claimed there is no need for another cemetery because the Turton church allows burials of all denominations.

Railtrack, which manages Entwistle Station, and North West Water, which owns the nearby reservoirs, did not object to the plans.

But fears about the effect the cemetery would have on a nearby heritage site mean that the cemetery scheme is likely to be blocked.

Officials are recommending the application is turned down when Blackburn with Darwen planning committee meets tomorrow.