PLANS for a luxury country house hotel in the Ribble Valley are set to be given the green light despite a raft of objections.

The proposals for a hotel and spa close to the A59, Gisburn Road, between Sawley and Gisburn, have been objected to by the parish council and 25 local residents and businesses.

But the plans have also received some support and the people behind the application, who are from Lytham St Annes, said it would benefit the area with the creation of at least 80 jobs.

Marie and Glen Myerscough, who are behind the application, said: “Our proposal for a 38 bedroom luxury country house hotel and spa has been drawn up over the past few years with the advice, support and assistance of council officers.

“A planning application was made in April 2011. We are pleased that the council’s officers are recommending that planning permission be granted.

"We hope the planning committee will grant planning permission at today’s meeting, especially given the many benefits the hotel would bring to the local area.

“This hotel would complement and extend the tourism and visitor offer within the Ribble Valley and give a boost to the Ribble Valley economy, with the creation of 80 new jobs.”

Residents who objected to the plans listed over 60 different reasons including impact on existing hotel businesses, jobs not being filled by local people, the viability of the business proposal and the impact on wildlife in the area.