A RIBBLE Valley farmer has had plans to build holiday chalets on his land refused by councillors.

John Redmayne, who owns Lower House Farm, in Bezza Lane, Balderstone, had hoped to build six wooden chalets to help generate enough money for his grown up sons to continue farming.

The two and three bedroom chalets would have been bought outright by holiday-makers, but would have been for temporary use, not as permanent homes.

But members of Ribble Valley Council's planning committee voted to refuse the plans on the grounds it would cause traffic problems on the narrow lane, the site was poorly connected to the public transport network and the chalets would have a negative visual impact.

Janet Dixon, a chartered surveyor who spoke on the family's behalf, told councillors: "This is a modest proposal for six chalets that will contribute to the farm's income through their initial purchase then grounds rent and maintenance charges.

"The family need to diversify and tourism is their best option."

The plans offered a slimmed down version of a previous application which was withdrawn after also being recommended for refusal last year. This was for 16 chalets.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Redmayne, whose family have been farming for 55 years, said: "It's disappointing but we did our best. The decision to refuse was unanimous so we weren't even close."