PLANS for a glamping site on the outskirts of a historic industrial East Lancashire town have been turned down for a second time.

Borough planners in Hyndburn had warned proposals for a ten log cabin ‘glamping’ site for Blackburn Old Road, Great Harwood, could be a blight on the landscape.

Local businessman and former borough councillor Ian Robinson submitted the outline application for pasture land near the Dean Clough Reservoir beauty spot.

His proposal for ten timber ‘wigwam’ cabins on the vacant site near Black Leach Farm would have needed special approval by Hyndburn Council’s planning committee as it is on protected ‘green belt’ countryside.

If approved, it would have been the first such project in the borough.

But members followed officers’ recommendations to refuse permission despite a last ditch attempt to defer the application so more information could be provided.

Speaking following the meeting, Mr Robinson said: “I thought glamping would be a good use for the site because there are places all around us but nothing in Hyndburn.

“It’s a £1 million project and I’m disappointed the planning committee doesn’t want it in Hyndburn.

"There’s nothing in the core strategy about glamping and leisure. Something like this needs to be in a beautiful spot. The application will be going in again.”

Borough planning and transportation manager, Simon Prideaux, said: “This application is a resubmission of a previous plan from a few months ago which was refused under delegated powers. The information submitted with this application is largely the same though there are some minor changes.

“The applicant has asked for further opportunity to submit information in support of the development.

“Planning law may prevent a third submission of a similar application because the view is taken they are just trying to wear down the local authority. The key issue concerns the location in the green belt.

“Officers do not consider the construction of glamping pods as beneficial to the character of the green belt.”

Trevor Hobday, agent for Mr Robinson, said: “There are no similar facilities anywhere in Hyndburn. This development would create jobs and bring in tourists who would likely spend their money in Great Harwood.

“The invesment in the borough by way of the proposed development would be significant.”

Chairman of the committee, Cllr Eamonn Higgins, said: “Glamping is becoming very popular nationally. For my part, I think this is a great idea and I’m very pleased that someone who lives in the borough is proposing to invest a significant amount of money for a leisure facility.

“It is unfortunate that it is in the green belt. If it was brownfield land, the development would be getting my support but it’s in the green belt and therefore it must be refused.”