Questions have been raised about whether an East Lancs council has done a detailed study about the potential economic impact of the huge Haweswater Aqueduct pipeline scheme on hospitality businesses.

The Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Project (HARP) is a £1.75bn plan by United Utilities to build a new water tunnel system from the Lake District to Greater Manchester.

The route goes through seven council areas including the Ribble Valley. Nearly 25 miles of water tunnel work is planned in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Bowland plans were approved by Ribble Valley councillors in March 2023, subject to many conditions and a legal agreement.

Proposals included some rural road strengthening works, storage compounds in fields, a new temporary River Ribble crossing and HGV lorry routes connecting with the A59 near Clitheroe

Because the valley is packed out with wedding venues, hotels, pubs and farms, the potential economic impact of HARP activity was raised at a full council meeting by Conservative Cllr Kevin Horkin.

Cllr Horkin said: “The massive Haweswater infrastructure project is fast-approaching. But I am still concerned there is no in-depth economic study by this council.

"I understand an environmental impact assessment was done. But there have also been meetings about how this project might effect weddings. hospitality and supply chains.

"This is going to be a five or six-year project. But nobody seems to have done the financials on it?  Maybe the chief executive can tell us what we are going to do?”

Marshal Scott, the borough’s chief executive, was unsure why Coun Horkin had raised Haweswater during a report focused on waste regulations.

But Cllr Horkin said the minutes also mentioned Lancashire County Council, landfill waste and waste services by United Utilities.

Cllr Horkin added: “I’ve seen meeting agendas and there’s nothing about HARP. There has been no economic impact assessment study. We have a duty to residents and businesses. What can the council do to remedy the situation?”

Mr Scott said: “This report is about waste regulations. But if you want a report on Haweswater, Nicola [Hopkins] can bring a report to the council. But it is a planning committee matter. ”

Nicola Hopkins is the borough’s director of economic planning and development.

Conservative Cllr Sue Bibby, who chairs the council’s planning committee. said: “As far as I understand, a financial impact assessment has been done. I will ask Nicola to bring a report to the next meeting.”