TIMBER holiday cottages in Worsthorne could provide a boost to Burnley’s rural economy, a councillor said.

Proposals have been unveiled by Geoff Eccles for 13 chalets at Saville Green Farm, off Gorple Road, in a bid to attract adven-turous holidaymakers.

Nearby attractions, popular with walkers and riders, include the West Pennine Moors, Bronte Way and Pennine Bridleway.

And local councillor Cosima Towneley, herself a land agent, believes the development could represent an ideal diversif-ication for the Worsthorne area.

She said: “It is certainly a novel idea for Burnley and I think it will be a good to have something different.

“It certainly has a good chance of succeeding as a business and is definitely in the right place to take advantage of things like the Pennine Bridleway and the Bronte Way.”

Each chalet would include an en-suite double bedroom, a double bedroom, a single bedroom and a separate open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, with a separate toilet and utility area.

Outside will be a verandah and each chalet will be clad with Douglas Fir logs and fitted with slate-effect roofing and timber windows.

Coun Townley said that the location was so isolated that concerns about the potential effect on the countryside should be overcome.

“I know that Mr Eccles has thought long and hard about this before submitting the plans,” she added.

Planning agent Jennifer Hindle, on behalf of Mr Eccles, said: “This development will be of economic gain to the local area, creating extra visitor numbers for nearby attractions and facilities.” The chalets could be sold off as individual holiday homes or rented out to groups for short stays, the Burnley Borough Council has been told.

People can make their views known about the development by contacting the council’s planning department before October 23.

Last year a nearby resident was denied permission to build holiday homes in his field.

Danny Myers, of Brownside Farm, Brownside Road, Burnley, was refused permission to build nine log cabins after a 900-signature petition from residents.