A couple have applied to change the use of their land in order to erect four holiday camping pods on the site. 

Mr and Mrs Handley applied to Pendle Council to change land currently used for agriculture around their Moorlands property, in Skipton Old Road, Foulridge, so they can build four holiday pods.  

A planning statement submitted to the council reads: “The application site comprises agricultural land to the east of a large, detached property known as Moorlands.

“The site slopes steadily downhill to the north west. The land is little used for agricultural purposes.

“As part of the proposals the land is to be accessed via a new track to be constructed within the curtilage of Moorlands.

"Moorlands is within the applicants’ ownership and is rented out as short-term visitor accommodation.

Lancashire Telegraph: The proposed site layoutThe proposed site layout (Image: Pendle Council)

“The application is for the change of use of the land from agriculture to allow the siting of four holiday camping pods.

“The existing vehicular access onto the public highway would be unchanged and a new permeable hardcore track is to be constructed within the grounds of Moorlands to access the agricultural land.

“A parking space for each pod would be provided along with a turning area and passing spaces along the length of the track.

“The application site is not within the borough’s green belt boundary, within which new development would be very tightly constrained.

“The land is classed as open countryside and the local plan would allow in principle camping pods (and associated development) within such an area.

“The economic benefit of increased tourism is an extremely important consideration in the planning application.

“Increased tourism spend will have beneficial impacts for other businesses in the local area.

“Visitors will help to support local shops, public houses, restaurants and takeaways, as well as visiting local fee paying visitor attractions.

“There are economic benefits to the local economy associated with the implementation of a development (which will be to the benefit of local contractors), furthermore there will be employment created associated with the operation of the site.

“The roof to the pods would comprise dark grey steel roof tiles, and grey composite cladding. The proposed muted tones will ensure that the proposed development is not unacceptably prominent in the local area.

“The applicants are agreeable to the proposal being restricted to holiday use only. There are no residential properties that would be unacceptably impacted upon by the development.”

The plans were submitted at the end of November and if approved the application says one part time job will be created as a result.

Anyone wishing to comment on them can do so via Pendle Council’s website until December 18.