Worsthorne caravan park plan defeated again

2:46pm Sunday 20th April 2008

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BLUEPRINTS for a caravan park in rural Burnley have been dismissed as unacceptable by a planning inspector.

Proposals for the holiday park, at Brownside Farm, off Red Lees Road, Worsthorne, were turned down by Burnley council's development control committee.

The application had been adjuged to be finely balanced' by council officers, who had recommended the scheme for approval.

Burnley councillors turned the plans down after residents in Worsthorne launched a protest, handing in a petition against the proposals.

Developer Donna Hartley appealed against the decision and the matter was referred to an inspector for a final ruling.

The inspector was concerned about the proposed access road to the caravan park, along Hollins track, off Red Lees Road.

Only suitable for one vehicle at a time, the planning inquiry was told that it could compromise road safety.

The inspector was happy with the principle of a caravan park in such a rural area, providing it protected and enhanced the distinctive character of the location.

Dismissing the appeal, the inspector's report to councillors says: "The closely-spaced caravans would have the effect of extending the urban area into the rural area, reducing the beneficial effect of the green wedge of countryside."

Worsthorne Parish council chairman Tony Lambert said: "The access simply wasn't wide enough, but that area is also a wildlife corridor, and residents were very concerned about the effect the caravans might have.

"It was not a suitable plan, and the inspector agreed.

"The inspector didn't have a problem with the principle of a caravan park there, but this wasn't the right application - it was too close to the houses in Buttermere Road and Brownside Road.

"I don't think there is an option of anyone being able to build one there that fulfils everything, but they can always try again if they wish."