100 protest at Pendle fishing lake and lodges plan (From Lancashire Telegraph)

100 protest at Pendle fishing lake and lodges plan

4:14pm Monday 28th February 2011 in Salterforth By Jon Livesey, Reporter

ALMOST 100 residents have signed a petition against plans to build a large fishing lake with 12 timber lodges in a rural village.

Robert Bradley is behind the proposal to create the free form fishing lake, measuring 65m wide and 140m long, with 12 fishing pegs, 12 two-bedroom timber lodges – each with two car parking spaces – and a bin store on land at Far Hey Farm, Salterforth.

According to the developer, the lodges would complement the nearby Lower Park Marina, on the other side of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

But a 97-strong petition, nine letters of objection and six web comments have been received by Pendle Borough Council.

Residents fear an increase in traffic caused by the development would make the area dangerous, especially for children who attend Salterforth Primary School.

They say there would be access problems in Cross Lane, Salterforth Lane and Chapel Hill.

Stephen Dale, of Crossfield House, in Salterforth Lane, said: “A number of children walk along Salterforth Lane to and from school.

"There is no footpath on the lane and a number of blind bends.

"An increase in traffic from this development presents a substantial risk to them.”

According to residents, the development would detract from the natural beauty of the area and deter walkers, cyclists and horse-riders from visiting the village.

In addition, some objectors feel it may damage Carr Beck, which is home to wildlife including kingfishers and heron.

Mr T Thorpe, of Essex Street, Barnoldswick, said: “The fact that this proposal is right next to the over 100-mile-long Leeds-Liverpool Canal, with its fishery already well-established, seems to be a ‘coal to Newcastle’ situation.”

British Waterways, Yorkshire Water and Salterforth Parish Council have also raised concerns over the proposed development.

Pendle Council’s planning officers are recommending that councillors reject the application.

The borough’s West Craven Committee will discuss the plans at the Rainhall Centre, Barnoldswick, at 7pm tomorrow.