A CONTROVERSIAL multi-million pound holiday village is expected to be given the go ahead this week.

Manchester-based developer Castleland Limited submitted plans for a £13million scheme in Feniscowles, Blackburn, earlier this year.

The plan, which was unveiled in March, was withdrawn in September when Blackburn with Darwen Council planning officers recommended that it should be refused by the planning committee.

The outline planning permission, for 120 log cabins, five leisure lakes, wildlife reserves, a restaurant and a gym at the 112 acre site, was amended, then resubmitted.

A decision will now be made about the development, between Broken Stone Road and the M65, at a planning meeting on Thursday in Blackburn Town Hall.

Michael Lewis, surveyor and director for the Manchester-based firm, and his architectural team scaled down the 1800sq ft-plus leisure complex after it was considered that the complex would draw people away from the council's town centre facilities.

The plans, which have received backing from the Lancashire Economic Partnership, were resubmitted last month.

Mr Lewis said the plans could be "an early Christmas present" for the borough.

He added: "Naturally we are happy with the officer's recommendation for they have clearly been convinced that the proposal is good news for the region.

"But we are not counting our chickens. We still have to make our case to the people who ultimately will make the decision, the councillors."

A report to the planning committee concludes that the scheme should be granted but subject to a number of conditions, including no works during the bird breeding season.

The report said: "The scheme the subject of this planning application represents a major development which would result in a number of improvements across the site, not least its remediation following the deposit of illegal waste.

"In addition the extensive tree and woodland planting, and the creation of a new nature reserve in the southern part of the site would be welcome additions to the landscape and support rural recreation activities."