Owners of a rural farm within the Forest of Bowland have had plans to build an eco retreat and wellness centre on their land refused.

The owners of Bent House Farm in Tosside submitted plans to Ribble Valley Council to change the use of the farm into a centre focussing on nature-based therapies to rehabilitate people with addiction.

The proposal included the erection of a single yurt, and internal modification of an existing cow shed and disused barn annexe to be used as the rehabilitation and wellness centre.

A design and access statement submitted to the council said: “The adaption of the cowshed will accommodate a number of movement-based therapies such as yoga and other treatment activities.

“The yurt will provide a simple and secluded accommodation that is immersed in nature. Both aspects of the proposal will be used to form a holistic, nature-based rehabilitation approach.

“A proposed planting scheme will provide screening of the yurt and will not be visible apart from the farm adjacent.

“The most significant change to the appearance of the site will be through the proposed planting scheme consisting of native trees and shrubs, however this will be beneficial to the site and the setting.”

Bent House Farm, situated on Longtons Lane between Tosside and Settle in North Yorkshire, is a farmstead comprised of an existing farmhouse and a collection of agricultural buildings.

The application suggested that much of the existing features of the farm, such as trees and hedges, would remain the same if plans were approved, meaning limited disruption to protected species and other plants and animals within the protected area of the Forest of Bowland.

The statement adds: “The dwellings will provide an appealing and quality aesthetic whilst using traditional materials to respect and ensure it is keeping in harmony with the surrounding agricultural buildings.”

However, a decision notice published by Ribble Valley Council’s planning department read: “The applicant has failed to provide sufficient evidence to unequivocally demonstrate that a local need or benefit exists for the treatments and services which form the basis of the proposed development.”

The plans were refused on August 11.