Barnoldswick marina plan approved on appeal (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Barnoldswick marina plan approved on appeal

2:00pm Saturday 22nd December 2012 in News

PLANS to expand a thriving marina to boost tourism in Pendle have been approved on appeal.

The application to build 10 lodges and a cafe at Lower Park Marina, in Barnoldswick, was refused by councillors a year ago.

But bosses at the tourism attraction, situated on the Leeds Liverpool Canal, appealed that decision and following a review, the planning inspectorate granted permission for the work this week.

When the planning application was submitted a spokesman for the marina said: “The activity at the marina is steadily increasing, particularly now that there is a repair dock and additional moorings.

“Notably, the number of people using the café is also increasing, and it is evident that many are people out walking rather than having any particular connection with the marina.

“The provision of additional moorings has in turn given rise to a need for alternative accommodation in the form of self-catering lodges, which will be available for use by people coming to meet up with friends and family who are boating, as well as by others who identify this as a holiday destination.”

Richard Clegg, planning inspectorate, said: “I consider that the main issue in this appeal is the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area.

“The 10 lodges would be positioned on the opposite side of the service road from the moorings, with the marina building at their northern end.

“On this side of the canal, the land rises towards the B6383, and the proposed development would take place lower down, with the lodges set into the slope.

“I have found that the proposed development would not be damaging to the character and appearance of the area, and, having regard to my finding on the main issue, it would be acceptable in principle in this location.”

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