BATTLE lines have been drawn between countryside lovers and a farm over a proposed haven for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Proposals have been submitted to Rossendale Council by Gary Davis to install five tents on land at Scar End Farm, off Burnley Road, Weir.

He hopes that the campsite will be tailor-made for mountain bikers looking for simple and straight-forward accommodation while using the Adrenaline Gateway track at nearby Lee Quarry.

But neighbours said the green belt site should be “sacrosanct” and have called on councillors to reject the bid.

Mr Davis said in support of his application: “The proposal would provide luxurious but eco-friendly tourist accommodation.

“Tourism is a big feature now in Rossendale especially after the recent opening of the Adrenaline Gateway. The proposal would pro-vide the farm with a diversified source of sustainable income at this time of financial downturn.

“Due to the nature of the proposed use, it is anticipated there will be no discernable rise in traffic, as most users of the proposed campsite would arrive by foot or by bicycle.”

The plans have been recomm-ended for approval and will be debated by Rossendale Council’s development control committee next Monday.

But a neighbours’ spokesman said: “There will be no social enhancement or added value to the economy of Weir village and no employment benefit for local people.

"The currently quiet and picturesque valley will be ruined by these eyesores.

"The proposal would also disturb the wildlife, which is abundant in this area.”

Previously two attempts to create a holiday park at Scar End, in 2005 and 2006, which would have seen 20 tourist lodges created, were both refused.