HOLIDAY cottages in Worsthorne could provide a major boost for the village, according to the man who has submitted the application.

Geoff Eccles has unveiled new plans for seven timber cottages at Saville Green Farm, in Gorple Road.

An application for 13 chalets at the farm was rejected by Burnley Councillors in 2009, and the decision was upheld at a planning appeal last year.

The decision to reject the plans was made because councillors said it would have a significant impact on the rural landscape and was poorly served by public transport.

But Mr Eccles has now resubmitted a downscaled scheme that he hopes could provide a shot in the arm for the village.

He said: “Worsthorne is a dying village. If this could lift it a bit then it would be a big help.

Bringing in more business would benefit local shops and pubs.

“We are just trying to diversify and create a bit more income”.

The development of the cottages in an existing area of woodland to the south of the farmstead, would include a new access road and two car parking spaces per cottage.

Jennifer Hindle, of Ribble Valley-based Gary Hoerty Associates, said in a statement submitted with the application: “This application will see the location of the chalets set further within the wooded area so that they will be well screened.”