THE MAN who saw his plans for a controversial woodland burial site thrown out of the Ribble Valley has revealed he now wants to build it in Blackburn.

Sabir Esa had proposals for a 1,000 plot cemetery on fields opposite Northcote Manor, in Old Langho, turned down by Ribble Valley councillors on Tuesday.

But he today revealed he has set his sights on a similar scheme in Blackburn.

The original plans were refused after councillors heard the 28 acre development would create massive traffic problems at the nearby Petre Arms roundabout and the junction of the A59 and Northcote Road.

Mr Esa, whose plans also drew fierce opposition from nearby residents and businesses, revealed this week's planning failure won't be the end of his dream to build a large-scale woodland burial facility.

The 44-year-old businessman, who owns Safe Depot storage centre, in George Street West, Blackburn, said: "In the long term I will be looking at other sites, possibly closer to home in or around Blackburn.

"I don't want to say much now because you never know which way things will go. I gave it a shot in the Ribble Valley, but it was not approved."

His plans for Old Langho had the backing of Lord Patel of Blackburn and Tauheedul Mosque, the region's biggest and oldest mosque.

They would have included parking for 110 cars, a 300m square administration and funeral prayer building and a 1.5 mile track through the graveyard.

It was intended as a green alternative to traditional burials held at Pleasington Cemetery.