Businessman makes THIRD bid for glamping site near Great…

AN East Lancashire businessman has made a third bid to create a ‘glamping’ site on the outskirts of an historic industrial township.

Ian Robinson has had two previous planning applications for ten log cabins on an acre of land near the Dean Clough Reservoir beauty spot off Blackburn Old Road, Great Harwood, turned down.

Now he has submitted a new slimmed down proposal for seven of the ‘wigwam’ style lodges and reception building on the protected green belt countryside.

If Hyndburn planners approve the latest scheme it would be the first such development in the borough.

The previous applications were refused in March and June 2019 after concerns that the development would ‘blight’ the protected countryside location.

Documents submitted with the application by Mr Robinson of Cliffe Lane, Great Harwood, says: “The application site comprises part of an open area of grassland.

” It is clear from the recent Green Belt Appraisal that current green belt strategy has effectively outlived its purposes insofar as it relates to the site under consideration.

“This area of land is effectively bounded on all sides by highways that provide a physical and durable boundary that can be contained but not exceeded beyond.

“Taking the site out of the green belt will serve to strengthen the remaining green belt allocation in this part of Great Harwood.

“The applicant proposes to develop the site for a tourism-related use with specific reference to ‘Glamping’.

“In essence, glamping is state of the art and very ‘up-market’ luxury holiday accommodation. They are not caravans; the units are permanently based upon the site and connected to all mains services.

“They are small units, typically one-bedroomed with dining/kitchen and lounge area; they are effectively open plan in internal layout. There will be a small area outside each unit for sitting and relaxing.

“Seven units are proposed.

“Development of the site in the manner proposed is considered sustainable.

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“The proposal seeks outline consent for the use of the site for a very specific and clear form of tourism-related development. All the land is under the ownership and control of the applicant.

“The development will be inclusive, environmentally friendly, will be constructed to the very highest standards and will add significantly to the overall character of the area.

“Given that the site is flat and well screened from long distance views into and from the site, the proposal will have little impact upon the openness of the green belt.”