Full approval has been given by the council to change a paddock used for grazing into a site which will house three static holiday caravans and three camping pods.

Pendle Borough Council has approved, with conditions, plans to site three holiday static caravans and three camping pods on land at Ben Lane Stables on Ben Lane, Barnoldswick, saying: "There is a positive presumption in favour of approving the development and there are no material reasons to object to the application."

An initial application was submitted in July last year, with a second application lodged with the council in March.

At a planning committee meeting last week, councillors approved the proposals for the site, which currently comprises of a small stable building and adjacent tack room, a horse-riding arena/turnout area, and a paddock.

A planning statement submitted to the council read: "The application is for a change of use of the paddock from grazing land to allow the siting of three holiday static caravans and three camping pods.

"The existing access from Ben Lane would be unchanged and a new permeable hardcore track into the paddock would be provided.

"The existing stables and riding arena/turnout area will be retained.

"The applicant intends that this new holiday accommodation business will work alongside the stables.

"The intention is to market the accommodation to tourists who would be attracted to the site as they could bring their own horses and can make use of the stable facility that already exists at the site.

"The development would therefore meet Criteria 1 of Policy WRK5 in that it will help to promote sustainable tourism associated with walking, horse riding, cycling, and the appreciation of the area’s natural and historic environment.

"The development will also help to improve the quality and diversity of the existing tourism offer within the local area."

When approving the plans, the decision notice from the council stated: "The holiday accommodation hereby approved shall be occupied for holiday purposes only and shall not be occupied as a person's sole or main place of residence.

"The operators of the site shall maintain an up-to-date register of the names of the occupiers of the holiday accommodation and of their main home addresses and shall make this information available at all reasonable times to the local planning authority."

It was submitted that the proposed development will, once finished, provide a new tourism venture that should be of benefit to the local economy, while simultaneously having minimal impact on the character of the area.

The planning statement continued: "The number of vehicle movements that are likely with such a development will be minimal and no alterations are needed to existing access arrangements.

"The council is therefore requested to support the application."